aShe is a very good slave.a Toma snickered.

Shooting him a glare of contempt, Tayan said, aI do not want a slave.a Shrugging, Toma chuckled, aWell, you got one.a His grin faded to a more serious look. aJust remember to be merciful. Before anything...happens to you, you must pass her off to another; or she will be forced to accept the same fate that befalls you.a aI refuse to give one person to another to be owned.a aThen you condemn her to die with you.a aShe is not going to die.a Toma raised an eyebrow. aLetas hope not--a fine slave such as Ellie should not go to waste.a Disgusted, Tayan turned to watch the dancers. He had no intention of really watching the women; he just didnat want to look at Toma or Ellie, who was now on her knees trying to explain to him how a master should act.

One blond dancer, however, did get his attention. What drew his eye was the way she moved. Unlike the softer movements of the other, too-skinny women, her spins and swinging legs looked as if she were putting her whole body into the motion. She almost seemed to be fighting an unseen foe--even her face was set a little harder than the others. As he watched, he recognized what he knew as the block-spin-kick maneuver Odif had taught everyone in the company. She then danced low in the trip-set-stomp maneuver, followed by popping up and doing the slap-spin-elbow-heel stomp used against unarmed opponents. She threw her head back and made other, dance-type steps to soften the moves; but he saw them for what they were.

He focused on her body as she danced in her unusual fashion. Her legs flexed with tight muscles. She wasnat starvation-thin like the rest but had a softer hourglass shape. She was also the only one with a generous bosom, held in with a wide, dark cloth. As he studied her face and the color of her free-flowing hair, he realized whom she looked like.

It couldnat be! Amber was far too modest to dance virtually naked in front of a room full of men; and certainly she would not be dumb enough to come here, even if someone had brought her to Spring Valley.

The woman was scanning the room now as she danced towards him. Her eyes fell on him for a second, locking with his before she danced away towards the middle of the room. In that brief time, he got a good look at her. Her features eerily resembled Amberas--she even had the same eye color. Unlike Amber, however, the cheeks of her pretty face were completely smooth.

He breathed a sigh of relief. He had never seen anyone look so identical to another. Well, from the neck up, anyway.

He had no idea what Amber had under her loose robes. Watching the dancer more intently, he wondered if Amber had the same endowments as this woman. She was grace in motion and could be much more than one of Tomaas dancers if she chose to be. Despite himself, he began to enjoy her performance. Other women occasionally blocked his view, but he managed to follow her with his eyes.

The music began to wind down; and the dancers made one last circle then danced their way back through the curtains. He noticed the blonde give him one last glance before she disappeared, locking eyes with him briefly.

It wasnat Amber, but he began to puzzle on her dance style. She knew every weaponless combat move the Company used. None of the other dancers performed anything like what she had been doing. She was either someone who had been to Longforest or was at one time part of the Company. He knew everyone who had been in the Company for the last fifty years. As he thought about it, he could only come to one conclusion.

Odif was the only woman bold enough to dance like that. Odif could also shift her shape however she pleased. In Newburg she had made herself look like him right down to the inflections in his voice. Somehow, she had found him. Why she chose to use Amberas shape, he didnat understand. It didnat matter what she looked like, though; he knew she was not about to leave him here. He knew how she thought. The first dance she had spent marking him and the locations of guards and doors. When she came out for her next dance, all hell was going to break loose. Between the two of them, Toma wouldnat know what hit him.

Sitting back, he started planning. Once she had caused enough havoc here, head lead her to the storerooms. Ellie said the doors were locked, but locked doors made of any material were not a problem now. Once outside, he would take care of any close-range threats while Odif used her druidic power to turn every creature and every element against Tomaas men. They could just walk right out the front gate.

aTayan, now the dancers have gone, will you listen to me?a Ellie asked from beside him.

He turned to see her gazing pleadingly at him. Leaning towards her, he whispered, aWhen I tell you, run into the hall.a aYes, Tayan. Donat you want me beside you?a Nodding, he said, aDonat ask why, but once things get...confusing, stay as close to me as you can.a aWorse than they are now?a she asked fearfully.

aMuch worse.a He grinned, looking over at Toma, who was talking to a messenger and a priest who had come in. aWeall be leaving in a hurry.a She nodded briefly, accepting what he said even though she had no idea what was going on.

aNow, Tayan, I have been trained for pleasure, all forms of cooking and poison detection--a aEllie,a he interrupted, ajust sit quietly until I tell you to go then do it fast.a She clapped her mouth shut and sat on her heels.

A pair of dancers had taken the floor to low flute music and the heavy beat of drums. Splitting up, they danced close to the tables, dropping their sheer silks here and there as they went. One stocky merchant stood and waved a coin at the lighter-haired one as she came close. The woman started to bow in front of him then quickly popped back up and danced away. The man grabbed a couple more coins and called for her to return.

She did, this time taking the coins from him and laying them at his feet before she moved on. The man sat back down with a satisfied grin.

More dancers started trickling out one or two at a time. The light-haired one went over and sat with the merchant, first picking up her coins. Soon, another dancer bowed to a man then sat by him. As he watched women selling themselves, he looked for Odif to reappear. He knew she had gotten a good look at the room. What was she waiting for?

aExcuse me, Lord Tayan,a Toma said formally. When Tayan looked his way, he went on. aDid you know a knight by the name of Sir Arlan?a He shook his head. aWhy?a aI understand he was from Paladnia. I just received word that he has been killed by bandits as he was leaving town.a By the satisfied look on Tomaas face, Tayan highly doubted he had nothing to do with it. The priest beside him also looked quite content with this news.

aWhy did he have to die?a Toma shrugged. aI heard he found out about you and was heading back to inform his superiors. We are looking for his friend, just to explain the tragedy of what happened, of course.a So, Tayan thought, Toma isnat so noble after all. aI sincerely hope you do not find him.a aHer,a Toma corrected. aAnd, yes, we will find her.a Tayan scanned the floor, looking to see if Odif had come out yet. Roughly half the dancers were either dancing or attending men, but no Odif. He was tempted to ask Toma if he wanted to surrender now.

aSheas probably on the road back to Paladnia by now,a he offered. aAre you ready for a siege?a aOh, yes,a Toma assured him. aStazor may come, but Iam sorry to say you wonat be here to see it.a aYou got that right,a he muttered. Louder, he said, aI must warn you--if I do find that youave caught her I will have to try and free us both.a aI would expect no less.a Toma nodded with a wave of his cup. aWhen we catch her, weall let you know.a Iall let you know, he thought. Growing impatient, he scanned the room again. Still no Odif. What in the abyss was taking her so long?

More dancers came out until it looked like every one except Odif was here. They were now cycling between dancing and sitting by the men theyad picked. Even the tall, pale-haired woman was walking out onto the floor. He half-expected her to strip off her long silver dress and start dancing. What she did, though, was raise her arms and look at the minstrels.

The music stopped. When she had everyoneas attention, she announced, aWe have a special offering tonight! Two young virgins will be given to the gods of lust!a Her announcement caused a roar of cheers and jingling of purses as men offered money for the unseen girls. She waited until the noise died down then said, aThe first is Felicia, a prime young resident of Spring Valley.a The curtain opened, and a short brunette came out wearing a forced smile as she moved to stand by the woman.

aTen gold!a one man cried.

aTwelve!a cried another.

aFifteen!a aTwenty-five!a Dropping his head, Tayan tried to block out the sounds of this disgusting auction. Concentrating on his own thoughts, he wondered if Odif had maybe slipped out and was going to come in from the hall behind him. Everyoneas attention was focused on the girl being sold--the time was perfect. He stole a glance behind him; even the guards were watching. He was sure these last two girls would be the finale, so it was now or never.

The girl went to a richly clad merchant, who gave the pale-haired woman a sack of gold. As he took his prize and left, the woman announced, aAnd now I present Sarah, who will dance and pick the lucky man who will be the first to know her charms!a She moved aside as the curtain erupted and the blonde burst into the room and did a flip, followed by three quick spins.

The room went wild.

Not only were men calling for her, they began spilling their purses out on the tables and begging for her to come their way. By the time she had crossed the center of the room in her dance, men were leaving their chairs to wave her to them. The guards tried to shout over the uproar for the men to sit back down. As she passed, men were stepping away from their chairs, shouting louder for her to come back. Amid the howls of lust, Tayan sat back and shook his head. Leave it to Odif to make a grand entrance.

Then, to his right, he heard a more ominous shout.

aItas her! Thatas the one right there!a the priest yelled, pointing right at Odif.

So much for surprise. Grabbing Ellie by the arm, he hauled her up as he got to his feet.

aGo now!a he barked and shoved her towards the door.

Odif was still dancing towards him, unmindful of the priestas yelling. One of his guard women stepped in front of him. At the same time, he noticed two men jumping up from Tomaas other side, going for Odif. Grabbing the womanas arm, he swung her around and flung her at them. She managed to keep her feet with a stumbling run into the men. The three fell in a heap.

Amber stopped dancing as she saw Tayan in motion. She also saw Father Wright pointing at her and yelling. Her heart went into her throat--they were in deep trouble. Forgetting her dance, she ran straight for Tayan as he twisted a secondwoman around from behind him by her arm.

Toma was on his feet, screaming for the guards. Tayan planted his foot on the womanas behind and gave her a shove right at the duke. A third one of his guards grabbed him from behind but suddenly let go with a grunt as Amber kicked her in the ribs.

The woman stumbling toward Toma collided and, trying to hold him for support, dragged him to the floor with her.

aFollow me!a Tayan barked at Amber, who was now right beside him. His other guard women thought better of trying to grab him and let them run past.

The main advantage they had was that most of the room thought this was a fight for the virgin. Not having heard the priest or Tomaas yells, they enjoyed the spectacle, cheering and laughing as people were tossed about. It wasnat until Tayan kicked one armored guard in the chin then used that guard's spear to kill the other one that they began to realize something was wrong.

The two had fled from the room by the time a crimson-faced Toma got to his feet. His voice was hoarse with anger as he screamed and jabbed an arm at the door.

aSeal the castle! I want that bitchas head on a pole!a In the hallway, Amber heard Tomaas command as she ran behind Tayan. Her heart slammed in her chest--she was going to die, she just knew it! Before she did, she had to get Tayan out of here. Once he was free, they could do what they liked with her.

In her peripheral vision she noticed a green-skinned girl running behind her. She stopped short and put all her weight into her elbow as she thrust it backwards. Ellie ran into it, taking it in her lower ribs.

Hearing the oof, Tayan spun to see Ellie hit the floor on her back. He skidded to a stop and ran back.

aOdif, no! She knows the way out!a Odif gaped at him as he tried to get Ellie to her feet. She was twitching, her mouth and eyes wide open in pain, desperately trying to breathe. Odif helped him get her over his shoulders as men poured into the hall and started towards them. Tayan ran as hard as he could for the storerooms.

The door underneath the stairs was closed.

aUnder the stairs, get the door!a he rasped. There was no way they were going to get inside and get the door shut again before someone caught up to them. He didnat relish the thought of trying to fight carrying Ellie, and he wasnat going to leave her. If only Odif would use some of her magic!

The door swung open; and a male slave came out carrying a basket of corn. Seeing the people barreling down at him, he froze.

aMove!a Tayan roared. The startled slave tried to get out of the way but not fast enough. Tayan caromed off him and just managed to keep from falling or dropping Ellie as he staggered through the doorway and against a wall. Odif slammed the door shut, holding the ring in both hands with a foot braced against the frame. Thinking quickly, Tayan grabbed a torch from the wall and wedged it into the ring just as someone yanked it from the other side. The torch bent with a cracking sound but held. He knew it wouldnat hold for long.

They were in another small hallway with four doors to the left and another three to the right. He hadnat planned on a whole section of storerooms. Ellie was making small movements, gasping in tiny breaths. She wasnat going to be of any help. In fact, she needed help. He didnat dare put her down yet.

He had to find the right door but there was no time to open every one. Starting down the hall, he told Odif, aLook for one without hinges.a aWhy?a He glanced at her, not too surprised she even sounded like Amber. aThat means the door opens in, we can block it. It also might mean thatas the one with the tunnel.a Behind them, the torch cracked louder as more men pulled at the door. Someone yelled for a pry bar. Another yelled that the doorframe was starting to burn. Glancing back, Tayan saw he was right. The torch had ignited the frame; fire was creeping towards the ceiling. With any luck, even if they didnat escape, the damn place would burn down.

At the third door, he found what he was looking for. Kicking it in, he saw steps descending into darkness. aGet a torch,a he ordered Odif.

She snatched one from the wall and followed him down a couple steps. She shut the door as the sound of splintering wood told them the torch had given way.

Gently as he could, Tayan squatted down and set Ellie on the steps. She gritted her teeth and hissed, but thankfully she didnat scream. Above him, Odif slipped the bar attached to the door into its brackets. From outside, the first sounds of doors being slammed were accompanied by Tomaas voice demanding that the search be quick.

Below, the room held stacks of crates. It looked to be about thirty feet square, with walls of smooth worked stone. He didnat see any other way out, though he was sure there had to be one.

aWell, if we canat get out, at least we have a few minutes before they get in,a he said quietly. aLetas get Ellie off these steps.a He picked her up as gently as he could, but she let out a short yelp of pain as he lifted her. The door above rattled as someone banged on it.

aTheyare in here!a aGet axes!a Taking her down to a short stack of crates, he laid her on them. Beside him, Odif was shaking with fear, glancing up at the door.

aWhat is wrong with you!a he asked harshly. aI could have used some more help up there! And whatas with using Amberas shape? She would not appreciate you prancing about like that. Now do what you can for her--Iam going to look for a way out!a He stormed away, hoping she would drop the faade and change back into herself. Odif acted weird sometimes, but this was the first time she had put their lives in danger.

Amber looked down at the greenish girl holding her hands to her lower ribs. She knew they were broken and that quite possibly the girl was bleeding on the inside. If she werenat healed, she would die. If Tayan didnat find a way out, they would all die. This wasnat what she had planned at all.

Ellie spoke a couple gasping words. aLeave me.a Amber laid a hand over hers and tried to smile. She wanted to tell her it would be all right, but she didnat believe that herself. She noted there were now chopping sounds at the door above. Soon, it would be her neck theyad be chopping at.

In the dim light of the single flickering torch, Amber knew she had to make her peace with Leighna now. Her robes didnat matter, neither did the fact she was going to be killed. What did matter was her soul. Closing her eyes, she began whispering her prayer for healing, for if Leighna healed this girl, she knew she was forgiven.

Tayan hurried down the third aisle of crates to slide his hands over the wall. He could make out enough detail to keep from running into objects thanks to his elven heritage. This wall felt the same as the previous two. Smooth stone, no cracks or indentations that meant there might be a door. Giving a huff, he started down another aisle, and his foot kicked something that sounded like metal. Bending down, he felt around for what might be a weapon. What he found was a small ring attached to the floor.

This had to be it! Feeling around it, he found the edges of a two-foot-square trapdoor. He pulled on the ring; it stayed in place at first then broke free with a pop and the squeal of rusted hinges. From below, cool, musty air wafted up. He had found the tunnel.

He left the door open and went back to Odif and Ellie. As he passed the stairs, he looked up at the door that was now leaking light down the stairway. The light shook and got a bit brighter as another ax slammed into it. They had a way out, but not much time to take it.

Ellie was sitting up holding the torch as he returned. Odif was wiping her face like she had been crying. Head figure out what was wrong with her later; right now they had to keep moving. Jerking a thumb back over his shoulder, he said, aI found the way out. Letas go!a She shook her head and unhooked her top. aEven if we get away, Iam sure they have dogs to track us.a Taking the clips off the cloth, she shook it out and opened it up. It was a bag. aYou have to get in one more time,a she told him.

Tayan gaped at her. Although he didnat mean to, his eyes fell on her breasts. They were soft and pillowy...he had a hard time forcing his eyes back up to her face. She had gotten the bag from Amber--thatas what had given her the idea to take her form.

He shook his head. aOdif, I canat. Iall tell you why later, if you must know.a Taking a step towards him, she grabbed him by the front of his shirt. Daggers were in her eyes as she growled, aYou call me Odif one more time, with Leighna as my witness, I will knock out every one of your teeth!a Her face was inches from his. Part of the makeup on her left cheek was peeled away, showing the pockmarks. His mouth worked up and down twice before he managed to speak.

aAmber?a It had been her all along? His face flushed as the realization hit. By the gods, he never would have thought...

aAt least you got my name right. Now get in the damn bag!a she barked, interrupting his thoughts.

Behind what was left of the door, Toma called out, aWeare almost through. Bowmen, at the ready!a The next ax blow was followed by a crashing noise and one of the boards from the door came bouncing down the steps. If the door wasnat breached yet, it soon would be. To get to the tunnel, they would have to cross through the light now pouring down the stairway. He had to think of something else, quickly.

aTayan, now!a Amber hissed. aI do not want to die for nothing!a Turning to look at her, he knew she would suffer horribly before Toma finally had her killed. He grabbed the bag from her and held it open. aYou first, just dive in.a aAnd how will you get out?a aThe same way you will. Hurry, please!a Placing her hands on his shoulders, she jumped up. For a brief second, her breasts hung in front of his face then she disappeared.

Ellieas jaw hung open as he held the empty-looking bag out to her.

aEllie, I need you to do something very important,a he told her.

She nodded vacantly as she took the bag. aYes, Master?a aAfter I get in, hide this bag. Tell anyone who asks that we left through the tunnel--are you listening?a She shifted her eyes to look at him. aYes, Master.a aYou tell Toma I gave you to Arthur Cooper, who lives in Tolina. Take this bag to him or his wife and explain what we just did.a aYes, Master.a aYou wonat forget now, will you?a aNo, Master.a Creaking steps got his attention. He got up on the crate as legs appeared. Taking a deep breath, he dropped in.

Ellie rolled the bag up and was tucking it into her waistband as the first bowman descended the last few steps. Leveling his crossbow on her, he demanded, aWhere did they go, slave?a aThey left through the tunnel.a she replied dutifully.

aTheyare in the tunnel!a the man cried up the stairs.

A short while later, as armed men ran by, Ellie walked up the hall to Duke Toma. Seeing her, he planted his hands on his hips and asked, aSo, what did your Master do with you?a She replied as ordered. aHe gave me to Arthur Cooper, who lives in Tolina.a aDo you know where Tolina is?a he asked with a smirk.

She shrugged nervously. aNo, but I must find it.a Sweeping her body with his eyes, he sighed, aYou are a very good slave, Ellie.a aI never disappoint my Master,a she said proudly.

aNo, you donat,a he agreed. aI will miss you. As a parting gift, go to the Redman Coach depot and tell the dispatcher to bill me for your trip. He will tell you how to get to Tolina.a aThank you very much.a She smiled. aI wish you well, ex-Master.a A few moments later, Ellie walked out the main gate.

Chapter 9.

Odif emerged into a lovely garden. Besides the tree she came out of, a maple and a willow stood guard over a colorful array of flowers and neatly trimmed bushes. A red-slate path curved past her to lead towards a large mansion decorated with columns. To her right were a high stone wall and a small stone building. She heard the laughing of children. Straight ahead, she saw a boy disappear as he ran off towards the mansion.

She followed him to a courtyard where other children played a game of tag. The boy she had followed was stockier than the others. He ran fast but seemed a bit clumsy as he tried to tag another boy. To one side, an elf woman sat stiffly on a wrought iron bench next to a baby carriage, watching them play.

Odif stopped and watched, a smile spreading on her face. She remembered when life was this simple, when her worst fear was whether or not her mother would find out she had ruined her appetite by eating cinnamon bark half the day. The boy finally cornered a shorter elf by the womanas bench, yelling, aNo touchbacks!a after tagging him.

The elf woman glared at him. aArt! Do not play near the baby!a He stopped and frowned at her. aBut Selsteran--a aSelsteran is not a clumsy oaf! Now move away!a she said with a whisk of her fingers.

Art walked away, his shoulders drooping. He didnat see the elf girl run up and slap him merrily on the shoulder.

aTag!a she giggled and ran away from him.

Odif wondered why the woman had treated the child so harshly. Studying Art, she saw his ears were not quite pointed, and the tips of his eyebrows turned down slightly. Art was mixed blood, human and elf. He was trying to play, but now it didnat look like he had his heart in it.

She shifted her attention to the woman, who adjusted the babyas blankets as she muttered to herself aIf only his mother had stuck to her own kind, he wouldnat have happened!a The remark by itself was bad enough, but Odif saw Art glance at her after she said it. The grin on her face faded as the hair on the back of her neck rose up. She stepped into the courtyard and walked towards the woman. The children saw her, slowing to stop and watch as she passed Art, who was gaping at her. The woman didnat look up until she was standing in front of her.

The women gave a start then glared at her. aHow did you get in here?a Odif glared back at her. aWe need to have a talk.a aGet out now or Iall call for the guards!a Turning her right hand palm up, Odif concentrated on the air directly above her hand. aFlammar.a Fire burst from her palm to crackle in dancing flames a few inches above her half-curled fingers.

aDo you think theyall be fast enough?a she asked.

The womanas eyes went wide. aDear Odin!a Sitting with her back pressed against the bench as if to escape the flame, she asked, aWhat do you want?a aFrom you, not to berate children. You think youare better than one of us amongrels?a Try me.a The womanas face flushed. Glancing about fearfully, she said, aPlease, leave us alone.a Odif closed her hand, extinguishing the fire. aYou leave Art alone, and Iall leave you alone. Where may I find Jeni Redman?a The woman shook her head, still pressing against the back of the bench. aSheas not here.a aWhere is she?a aI donat know.a aHey, lady, who are you?a Art called from behind her.

Odif turned to him. aOdif Longforest. Do you know where she is?a Artas face opened up with joy. aAwwwww, wow! Youare the real Odif?a The other children began to congregate in a semicircle around her. She nodded to him. aYes, and you are?a aIam Arenthanas Lemallan Cooper--Jenias my sister,a he said proudly. Pointing to the baby, he added, aThatas Erica, Eric and Jenias baby. Erikenthansia Redman is her whole name.a Odif raised an eyebrow. aAnd Eric, heas this Red Man Iave been hearing about?a Art bobbed his head. aSure is. He killed a whole army of hoarcs and killed a vlak all by himself! Him and Jeni got married then he went to look after Tayan but they got attacked by real mean stuff.a Erica was her half-sister. She was glad to know about her, but that didnat bring her any closer to finding her father. aDo you know where Eric is?a Giving her a shrug, he said, aNobody knows. I think heas still killing bad things somewhere. He better come back soon, acause Jeni, Mom and Dad are starting to have fights over Jeni wanting to go look for him.a Pulling back the hood on the carriage, Odif looked down on the tiny girl wrapped in pink blankets. Her fine, silky hair was strawberry blonde. Erica gazed back up at her with almond-shaped blue eyes.

aHey, Erica.a She smiled as she reached down to tickle the tiny chin. She leaned her staff on the bench then lifted her sister and held her, not aware of the womanas slipping off the bench and running away.

aThatas Aunt Shanni,a Art told her, pointing at the fleeing woman.

Odif heard her crying out that someone was stealing the baby. She sat down, cradling Erica in her arms. aI need to talk to Jeni. Do you know where she is?a Art bobbed his head again. aYup, sheas off doing business things. Jeni owns a bunch of coaches and two stone quarries. Mom and Dad are both real busy, too, thatas why Aunt Shanni came to watch me.a aHere comes your aunt,a one elf boy announced nervously.