The Twilight City Read online

  The young guard laughed again, clearly enchanted. The older man frowned at Malek.

  “What’s with you, lad? You look nervous.”

  “Aye, this one’s pretty green yet,” Nera said. “Second week on the job. Our captain sent us to report to Barristal to take on ‘a real assignment to toughen his arse up.’” Nera’s voice turned gruff, and Malek could almost picture the unknown commander saying that.

  “Not looking forward to meeting Barristal, that’s all,” Malek added. “That bastard’s temper is legendary, from the tales I hear.”

  The veteran guard relaxed. “Aye, just keep your head down and give ʼem a lot of ‘yes sirs,’ and you’ll be fine.” He clapped Malek on the back. “Welcome to the Nexus Prison.”

  Nera winked at the pair, and then she and Malek were walking inside the prison grounds.

  Malek let out a long, slow breath. “That went surprisingly easily.” She’s good at this, I’ve got to admit.

  “I told ya: I’ve got this under control. Pay attention, and you might learn something.”

  They headed toward the main prison building. The plan was to make their way as close as they could to the Magehunter wing and either bluff or sneak their way inside. Malek hoped an opportunity would present itself.

  They had no problem getting inside the main cell block, merely walking right inside the open gates. A quartet of guards was playing dice and passing around a flask at a table inside the door.

  “Barristal around?” Nera asked, barely pausing in her march inside the fortress.

  Act like we belong here, and they won’t do anything. Malek followed the rogue, barely sparing a glance for the guards.

  The guards looked up disinterestedly.

  “Aye, he’s in his office,” one of them replied with a vague wave down the corridor.

  Nera redoubled her pace, and Malek hustled to keep up, breathing another sigh of relief. He nearly choked from the stench of human waste as they entered the cell block. Fighting back his gorge, he kept pace with Nera, who strode confidently ahead, seemingly unfazed. He briefly wondered if she’d spent any time locked up, having grown up an orphan and a rogue on the streets of Nexus.

  From the map they had studied earlier, Malek knew Barristal’s office was at the end of the corridor. Best to stay away from that one. More than likely, he will be able to sniff out our ruse.

  Cells lined the hallway, most of them filled with drunks and petty offenders. Someone wept in a nearby cell while a drunken snore ratcheted out of another. A few were empty. The Watch’s more serious criminals would be housed in the dungeons below. Lit torches guttered in wall sconces, leaving pools of light and darkness interspersed regularly

  “Ain’t you a sweet lookin’ thing?” A drunken brute leaned against the bars and reached through, groping at Nera.

  The rogue smoothly evaded the man’s grasp and with a quick movement snatched one of his meaty fingers and twisted it back toward his wrist. The brute yelped in pain and sank to his knees.

  Nera wrinkled her nose and wiped her hand on her tabard. “Shouldn’t be too much further till the way to the inner—”

  She was cut off by a booming voice that echoed down the hallway with the authority of a drill sergeant. “Oswald, get down here, you damned lout! Why do the numbers not match up from the last shift change?”

  Malek and Nera were just passing through a spot of darkness when a figure stepped out of the office at the end of the hall. His hands-on-hips posture broadcast command—and annoyance.

  Barristal.

  Nera grabbed Malek and yanked him up against the nearest cell, into the shadows. Seeing the cell was empty, they quickly slipped inside.

  “Your worthless arse better be moving!” Barristal roared.

  “Damn. If he saw us, he’s going to see right through our disguises,” Malek said.

  “Shhh… once they go into his office, we can make it outside.”

  Curses came from back near the entrance and then rapid footfalls as someone double-timed down the hall.

  “On the way, Captain!” A guard puffed as he jogged down the hallway toward them.

  Malek peered through the bars and could just make out Barristal returning to his office.

  “Curious that members of the Nexus Watch would be hiding from their fellows,” someone remarked conversationally from the darkness of the adjoining cell, not loudly but not keeping his volume down, either. The man was barely visible, dressed in robes and sitting cross-legged on the floor in the center of his cell. His head was shaved on the sides, leaving a ridge of hair down the middle of his scalp.

  “That’s not your concern,” Nera snapped.

  “Hmm. Well, that’s a shame. Perhaps the Watch would take an interest in the subterfuge,” he said loudly, eyes glittering as he watched them.

  Oswald was just about to pass the cell they hid in.

  “Quiet, you. What is it you want?” Nera hissed.

  The man’s mouth creased in amusement. “Merely an answer to a simple query.” He spoke more quietly, and Oswald puffed by without noticing them.

  “Aye? Well, aren’t you a nosy bastard? And I don’t suppose you want us to let you out of your cell in return for your silence?” Nera’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

  The man shrugged. “The Weave tells me I should remain where I am at this present moment. If it speaks of needing me elsewhere, I would leave. But at this point in time, I am here witnessing a curious event. Perhaps that event is the purpose of my present situation.”

  Nera was about to reply when Malek put a hand on her arm to calm her. “I don’t think he means us harm. If he wanted to call the guards, he could anytime.” He turned to the prisoner. “We’re here seeking a friend of mine that was taken prisoner a while back, a mage by the name of Magellan. Do you know of him?”

  The man studied Malek for a moment before shaking his head slowly. “I’m afraid I do not, friend. A mage, eh? So he is in the clutches of the Magehunters.”

  “Indeed, he is. We hope to gain entrance to their dungeon to continue our search.”

  The man bowed his head. “Best of luck to you. You shall need it. Magehunters are not trifled with lightly. I give you my thanks for answering my humble queries.”

  “Um, yes, we appreciate you not raising the alarm.”

  The man nodded. “I believe the path is clear now. Until next time.” He gave them a knowing look.

  “Let’s go.” Nera tugged on Malek’s arm. Seeing the corridor clear, she led him down the passageway leading to the inner sanctum of the prison complex. “Why did you tell that madman our business?” she asked when they were away from the cell block.

  “He wasn’t a madman, Nera. Seemed more like some type of priest or monk. A bit of an odd character, I’ll give you that. Not sure why he was there, but he had no interest in turning us in. Not everyone means to take advantage or cheat or betray you somehow.”

  “Green fool,” she muttered playfully. “You haven’t grown up living on the streets of Nexus.”

  They walked outside and into a courtyard. About fifty paces ahead of them was the low building comprising the Magehunter prison.

  A pair of Magehunter guards stood on either side of the reinforced door, watching their every move as they approached. One man was big and burly, the other lean with sharp eyes that surely missed nothing. The pair wore pale chain-mail armor and longswords. Surcoats emblazoned with a red eye covered their breastplates. Malek recognized the sigil from the group that had abducted Magellan back on his home plane.

  “Greetings,” Nera began with a smile when they got within a few paces.

  “State your business,” snapped the lean Magehunter, a half-elf.

  “All business, then. Fine. Barristal sent us to question a mage that goes by the name of Magellan in regards to some followers of his that the Watch rounded up.”

  The duo regarded them for a moment.

  Finally, the big man spoke up. “That one was taken to the mana factory—”

/>   “Shut up, Rogar.” The half-elf stepped closer to Nera and Malek. “Barristal wouldn’t send his grunts to bother us. He’d know to take it up with Lassiter.” The guard’s sharp eyes seemed to take in every detail of Nera’s and Malek’s appearance.

  Bloody hell… This isn’t going to work. Malek wondered if he could use the pervasive magic to his advantage but knew it would be extremely dangerous here in the heart of Nexus. The door behind the guards was carved with runes, and Malek could sense the power of the wardings protecting the building.

  “I smell magic on you,” the lean Magehunter growled ominously. He leaned in like a lover and literally sniffed at Nera. “What do you think, Rogar?”

  “Easy, killer. At least buy a lass a drink first.” Nera laughed and pushed the guard away, but Malek could tell from her strained laugh she was nervous.

  “I think not, wench.” The Magehunter muttered an arcane command, and Nera’s glamour dispelled. Her disguise disappeared, revealing her plane-cursed features and the collar around her neck.

  “What manner of deviltry is this?” demanded the large warrior, Rogar, as he drew steel.

  “Just as I suspected. Imposters,” the lean man sneered. “Surrender or ack—” He choked when Nera punched him in the throat.

  Rogar bellowed and swung his sword at Nera. She easily sidestepped the swing and kicked at the man’s knee but to little effect. Rogar swung another wild slash, and Malek had to leap out of the way.

  “I bet your mama has a better aim with her rolling pin, goblin-breath,” Nera taunted the big man.

  “Karlin!” Rogar glanced anxiously at his companion. He pointed the sword from Nera to Malek as if trying to decide who was the greater threat. He moved to block the two from reaching the door.

  “You’re going to pay for that, bitch,” Karlin wheezed. His sword was in his hand in a flash. “Cut them down,” he ordered his companion.

  Nera’s eyes went wide with alarm. “If you plan on using your magic, now would be a good time, Malek,” she hissed.

  Rogar charged at Nera. She flitted sideways, inches from being disemboweled, and shoved the big man, tripping him up in the process. He clattered to the cobblestones with a curse and a loud clang of armor.

  Malek focused and slowly drew from the surrounding magical energy, teasing it from the warding of the prison wing and the magelight lamps overhead. He was aware of Karlin and Nera struggling briefly. The rogue darted away, Karlin’s sword glancing off the chain mail on her back.

  A sudden blow struck Malek in the back of the head. He crumpled to the ground, Rogar standing over him, one gauntleted fist extended. Malek’s vision turned blurry, and he blacked out.

  ***

  Nera narrowly ducked Karlin’s strike, losing a few hairs in the process. She cursed again at the magical collar preventing her from being able to use any weapons. Damn fool mage… What was I thinking, helping him? And now I’m gonna just get skewered on this bastard’s blade.

  A quick glance revealed Malek focusing as if he would use some magic. About bloody time.

  Just then, Rogar regained his feet. He swung his gauntleted fist and dropped Malek, who seemed oblivious to the warrior, with a mighty punch to the head.

  “Balor’s balls,” she cursed. All she could think about was being placed in shackles and thrown in the dungeons to rot for a few decades before the magistrate doubled or tripled her sentence. All thoughts of prison quickly fled as she was forced to scramble away from Karlin’s assault.

  “Can’t run forever, demon,” Karlin taunted. He feinted, forcing Nera to her left and trying to corner her against a wall.

  Nera stepped to the left, and when Karlin made to attack, she quickly darted back to the right, breaking for the distant gate to the Watch prison and the promise of escape.

  Rogar blocked her escape, his longsword cutting a mighty arc, forcing her to stop short. Nera felt Karlin behind her and knew she was in trouble. She tumbled to one side, desperate to get some separation.

  Karlin’s sword struck her shoulder, drawing a grunt of pain as it crunched the mail. Her arm started going numb.

  Nera regained her feet and drew her Watch short sword in desperation. She was competent with a short sword but much preferred her daggers. Without them, she knew she didn’t stand a chance. Magehunters were elite warriors—it was only a matter of time until they captured or killed her. My only chance is to escape. Her eyes darted briefly to her fallen companion. Sorry, luv, but your clink only goes so far.

  Her plans of escape were cut short as her restraining collar activated, sending jolts of electricity arcing through her body. The sword fell from her nerveless fingers and clattered to the cobblestones. She wobbled, staggering as she fought to stay on her feet.

  Karlin’s cruel face swam in her vision as he leaned closer. “You aren’t the sharpest one, are you? Already serving a sentence, and you think to break in here? Foolish wench. You’ll be lucky to see the light of day again before your bones turn to dust.” He backhanded her across the cheek, hard.

  Nera’s vision went blurry, and she stumbled backward against the stone wall. The familiar itch from the powerful magical wards surrounding the prison made her almost sneeze.

  Rogar strode forward and reached out for her. Nera shrank back but was still too wobbly on her feet to evade his grasp. The big warrior seized her by the horns, lifted her off the ground, and slammed her against the wall. She briefly saw stars from the blow, and her half helm slipped over her brow as the chain mail dug into her shoulder blades where Rogar held her pinned.

  Karlin swatted the helm from her head. It clattered and rolled away on the stones. “Now, tell us who you are and what in the Abyss you’re doing here. And who’s this useless fool?” he asked with a contemptuous gesture toward the unconscious Malek.

  Nera whispered something quietly, causing them to lean in closer.

  “Speak up! Where’s that sharp tongue of yours now?” Rogar demanded.

  “I said, ‘Go bugger yourselves’!” Nera emphasized the point by kicking Rogar in the groin.

  The big man instinctively flinched from the blow even though his codpiece protected his genitals. His grip loosened on her horns, and she slipped free of his grasp.

  Nera tried to headbutt Karlin. He flinched back, but her horn carved a gash in his cheek. Nera squirmed between the two guards, attempting to flee, but Karlin caught her after a few paces, catching hold of her tabard and dragging her down. Her left wrist twisted painfully as she hit the cobblestones, her chin cracking the ground. Blood filled her mouth as she bit her tongue. Karlin twisted her arm behind her back painfully, driving his knee into her back. He shoved her face to the ground, the stone bruising her jaw. After a few moments, the pressure relented, and she was pulled to her feet.

  “Hold her,” Karlin snapped.

  Rogar pinned her arms, holding her upright. Nera’s wrist and chin throbbed from the pain.

  Karlin rubbed at the gash on his cheek, scowling at the blood coating his fingers. “Last chance to talk, bitch.”

  Nera spat a gob of bloody saliva at Karlin, spattering his white surcoat.

  The guard’s face turned to rage, and he drew his sword. He stepped forward and drove it into Nera, the longsword piercing the mail and sliding into her guts.

  She screamed, and the fight went out of her. Rogar let her drop to the ground as she went limp.

  ***

  Malek regained consciousness to see the two guards roughing up Nera, pinning her to the wall by her horns. Oh gods, what have I done? She was working for me, and I’ve made everything so much worse. If they don’t kill her, she’ll never be let free from prison.

  He was about to try to get up when Nera broke free. He lay still, closing his eyes to slits as he watched Karlin force her down a few feet away. The only advantage we have is they think I’m unconscious still. I just have to muster enough power so we can escape…

  Malek began drawing power again, slow and controlled. He reopened his eyes just in
time to watch Karlin run Nera through with his sword. Malek’s eyes widened in shock, and he fought to keep his control.

  Nera slumped to the ground, blood pouring from her abdomen as Karlin withdrew his sword. The two guards stood over her for a moment, breathing hard after the exchange.

  “I couldn’t take that bitch’s attitude anymore. Let’s question the other one.” Karlin sheathed his sword.

  The two guards turned toward Malek just as he stumbled to his feet.

  “What have you done?” He gasped, the draw of magical energy on the verge of overcoming him.

  Nera lay shuddering on the ground, her rust-colored eyes filled with pain. The glow seemed to leave her eyes as blood bubbled from her mouth, her lifeblood running in rivulets between the gray cobblestones.

  Malek lost control.

  Power surged into him from all around: from the warded prison, from the magelight burning in the lamps, from Nexus itself, a vast well of energy deep beneath the street.

  The Magehunters’ eyes widened in shock as they sensed the tremendous rush of magic. Rogar stepped forward, sword raised.

  The magelights abruptly winked out. A dark circle expanded around Malek, blackening the green moss growing between the cobblestones and turning it to ash. Gouts of magical energy arced out of the powerful wards from the prison, flowing into Malek. Power crackled around him in a storm of lightning drawn from the ground and his surroundings.

  Malek swept one arm aside, and Rogar flew through the air like a rag doll. He crashed into the bough of a tree twenty paces away with bone-crushing force. The tree cracked nearly in half. Karlin slammed against the wall of the prison, the crack of his vertebrae audible. He was suspended there, six feet in the air.

  “No… Nera.” Malek knelt over the thief’s crumpled form.

  Blood was everywhere.

  Her pained eyes met his. “What… what are you?” she said, gasping.

  “I’m sorry. I have to make this right, somehow.” He studied her wound, unsure of what to do but knowing he had to do something. Anything.