The Twilight City Read online

  Nera lay sprawled next to Malek, trussed and gagged as well. She appeared to still be unconscious, courtesy of the dark knot forming on her forehead.

  They appeared to be in an abandoned warehouse. Malek suspected they couldn’t be too far from the safe house. The dwarf likely hadn’t wanted to draw too much attention by transporting two unconscious people very far.

  “I asked ye a question, boy. I’ll speak to the plane-cursed wench when I’m through with ye.” The dwarf ran his thumb idly down the haft of his wicked-looking battle-axe, a weapon that radiated dark magic. Something was not right about him. The glint of madness shone in his eyes.

  Malek knew it would be unwise to anger the dwarf. “Yes, last I saw, he was wounded, and they had surrounded him. I don’t know if he was captured or killed.” He suspected the answer was the latter, from Nera’s reaction.

  His captor cursed in Dwarven. “There goes another bounty. Why are Lassiter and his men after ye and the half-breeds?”

  “We had an… encounter with a pair of Magehunters a few days past, and it didn’t go so well for them. I imagine they didn’t take kindly to that.”

  “Nay, surely not.” The dwarf muttered to himself and stroked his beard for a moment. “Me contract is only for her and the half-elf, so what should I do about ye?”

  “You could turn me over to the authorities. But let the woman go. She was merely paid a bit of coin as a guide. She means nothing to me.” With a quick glance at the thief, he saw Nera was awake and witnessing the exchange.

  “That’s not gonna happen. She’s got a bounty on her head.” The dwarf pursed his lips as he considered Malek. “Perhaps I can barter with the Magehunters over yer capture and improve me lot. Ye’ve got to be worth quite a bit if Lassiter himself is on yer trail.” He turned his attention to Nera. “I see ye’ve been listening in. Now that the half-elf is worm food, there’s no way in the Abyss ye’re getting away from me.” He scowled at her, and his hand gripped the axe tightly.

  Malek was about to reply when he sensed magic being expended nearby. He glanced up and saw a lithe figure in woodland garb clambering across the ceiling, limbs splayed like a lizard. A curtain of dark hair hid the person’s face from view.

  “Aye, that’s what I’m gonna do,” the dwarf was saying. “Lassiter might knock a score or more retrievals from me tally. Too bad the other—” He suddenly screamed, dropping his axe and putting his head in his hands. He crumpled and rolled over into the fetal position.

  Malek recognized Endira as she floated down from the ceiling as if she weighed no more than a feather. The elf landed lightly on her feet and walked toward him.

  “Endira! You sure are a welcome sight to behold!” He grinned at her.

  Endira blushed slightly but smiled in return. “Are you injured? The dwarf should be out for a short time, but we should be away from here.”

  She approached Malek and extended a finger. As he watched, her nail extended and sharpened into a keen edge. The elf deftly sliced his bonds and helped him to his feet.

  Malek stumbled and would have fallen due to his numb legs had she not caught him. Endira’s slim form belied her strength. Malek thanked her and leaned against a post while trying to massage circulation back to his legs and wrists, careful not to aggravate his injured hand.

  She eyed Nera curiously. “What about her?”

  “Yes, she’s with me.”

  “Oh, I didn’t…”

  “No, it’s not like that. She’s a friend… I hired her as a guide.”

  Endira took a step toward Nera when the dwarf suddenly roared in rage and surged to his feet, axe in hand.

  He lunged at Endira, eyes blazing with murder. The elf dodged away, but the dwarf kept after her, axe hacking ferociously. The weapon seemed to hum as it cut a path through the air. Malek backed away, looking to get around the raging dwarf in order to free Nera.

  Endira leaped gracefully atop a large crate and raised her hands. With an abrupt motion, a pile of old wooden crates and debris lifted off the floor and flew toward the dwarf in an avalanche of wood and dust. His axe twirled skillfully in his hands, alternately swatting aside and cleaving through crates and pieces of wood. An oaken barrel exploded, and the bent planks launched in all directions as if shot from a crossbow when he cleaved through the metal band around the lip. He roared curses and chopped at Endira, but the elf again dodged away.

  “Stay still, ye slippery wench,” he bellowed. Another maelstrom of debris battered the dwarf, but he kept fighting through it.

  Malek knelt beside Nera, intending to free her, but she slipped the bonds off herself.

  He stared, surprised. “You—”

  “Quit your gawping and let’s get away from that mad bastard dwarf.” Nera pulled on Malek’s arm.

  “Wait, I can’t leave Endira.”

  “How do you know that elf?” Nera’s brows were raised.

  He realized in all the excitement of the past few days, he’d forgotten to tell her about meeting Endira and the Seer. “We met when you were at the foundry that day, and she offered to give me a foretelling.”

  The dwarf abruptly stopped his charge and began swinging wildly around himself. He cursed and panted, evidently attacking something only he could see. Endira waited until he was overextended, and her hand shot out, touching the dwarf’s forearm.

  “Sleep,” she commanded.

  The dwarf froze for a moment before the axe tumbled from his hands. He took two steps and fell on his face. Loud snores erupted almost immediately.

  “That one was more of a challenge than expected.” Endira smiled at Malek and Nera. “Greetings. I am Endira Moongrove.”

  “Nera. Of Nexus,” the thief replied.

  “Thank you for your timely aid, Endira. How did you do that?” Malek nodded at the sleeping dwarf.

  “I put the suggestion in his head that he must sleep. The psionic blast I used earlier didn’t have the intended effect, unfortunately.” She frowned. “I think that axe may somehow cause interference—”

  “Shall we get going?” Nera looked irritated by their banter. “With all the racket you and the dwarf made and the Watch and entire Magehunter corps looking for us, it’s a miracle they haven’t swarmed this building already.”

  “Ah, yes of course.” Endira nodded. “Come with me. I know a place you can stay for a time. They shouldn’t be able to find you since it is well protected against magical scrying.”

  The three of them left the warehouse by a rear door, for the front was still barred. They found themselves in an alleyway that led to a heavily populated main thoroughfare. Malek and Nera pulled up the hoods of their cloaks, and the trio slipped into the foot traffic of the Market District. Endira led them away from the bustling High Market in the direction of the Industrial District, judging by the sight of Foundry Hill in the distance.

  “How did you happen to be in a position to free us?” Nera asked, distrust evident in her tone.

  “My master thought it would be wise to keep an eye on Malek in the event of any trouble, so I’ve been doing so,” Endira replied. “I sensed his distress, so I came to assist.”

  “Why did you suspect there’d be trouble? And who’s this master of yours?”

  “From my master’s visions, of course, which he shared with Malek and myself. It is his belief that Malek’s arrival portends the fall of Nexus, which we must prevent at all costs.” Endira gave Malek a gentle smile before looking back at Nera. “My master is simply known as the Seer. His true name he has not shared with me, nor have I asked it.”

  “I’ve yet to hear about any of that,” Nera said, shooting Malek a pointed look.

  “All in good time. Let’s get the two of you somewhere safe first so I can get a look at Malek’s wounds. The less time we spend out in the open on the street, the better.”

  Malek glanced over at Nera just in time to catch her roll her eyes. “Easy… she’s a friend who’s here to help.” He fell back a couple paces to walk beside the rogue.


  “Aye, that I gathered,” Nera snapped. “Maybe you shouldn’t be running your mouth to every pretty female that bats her eyes at you, green. You’ll live longer that way. People can’t be trusted in this city.”

  “I’d say she just proved herself worthy of our trust. I’m sure we could return you to the company of that mad dwarf if you’d prefer,” he shot back, getting annoyed. “If I’d kept my mouth closed around you, you’d still be wearing that collar and slaving from dawn to dusk in that foundry for another ninety-something years.”

  Nera’s eyes narrowed, and an angry spark glimmered in her eyes. “And if you hadn’t run your big mouth to me, you’d have been dead back in that alley your first day in Nexus, from those three cutthroats. That’s the truth of it.”

  Endira curiously glanced over her shoulder at the two of them but wisely held her tongue.

  Nera’s lack of gratitude and borderline hostility toward Endira irritated Malek. She acts like she’s jealous of my friendship with her. Why do women never make any sense?

  “If you want out of the job, Nera, I’ll give you your damned coin, and you can be on your way. I’ll find this mana factory on my own.”

  “I said I’d stick with the job till you find your master, and that’s what I mean to do. I’m no coward that turns tail from a little trouble.”

  Malek sighed. “I never said you were a coward. I’m just asking you to let me decide who I trust. I’m not a baby just weaned from my mother’s teat.”

  Nera gave him a toothy smile that wasn’t entirely friendly. “I’m just trying to give you some wisdom about how things work on the streets.” She brushed past Malek, increasing her pace to catch up to Endira, who was a few paces ahead.

  They continued walking in strained silence for a few minutes until they reached the edge of the Industrial District. Endira skirted the plaza, leading them toward Nihad’s shop near the Temple District, Malek realized.

  His thoughts turned to the Seer’s cryptic prophecy. Am I truly about to be swept up in some great tide of events? I just want to retrieve my master and go back home. I grew up a peasant working the fields. Surely, I’m not cut out for these grand quests. I don’t see how Nexus can be in jeopardy… Doubtless, this Pale Lord and his forces can take care of it.

  They were a few paces away from the front porch of Nihad’s Magic Emporium when the door burst open and somebody was forcibly tossed off the porch and onto the street, forcing Endira to dodge nimbly to one side.

  A scrawny man in baggy red robes picked himself up off the ground. “Curse you, Nihad! Reneging on our deal… You’re as bad as a damned rat-kebob vendor from the slums!” He threw a rude gesture toward the door.

  Nihad stood on the threshold with arms crossed, his usual sour expression turned to anger. Beside him loomed the massive armored warrior. “Away with you, cur! You were under contract to retrieve some of Efarihm’s scrolls, but these are frauds. I have little time for such ruses.”

  “You’ll be sorry for this. I’ll see to it.” The man turned his scowl on Malek and the two women briefly before stomping away.

  “Greetings, Nihad,” Endira said politely as she stepped up to the door.

  The wizened old elf grunted a reply and stepped aside, his guard doing the same with a creaking of plate armor. The wizard scowled at the sight of Malek and Nera, his eyes lingering disapprovingly on Malek’s bloodstained robe and Nera in general. Endira said something in Elvish, and the old mage just snorted but returned inside to his clients.

  The store was busier than the last time Malek had been there, with a handful of shoppers perusing the goods. Up close to the impassive guard, Malek noticed with a start it was merely an empty suit of full plate armor, animated by magic.

  “He sure is a bundle of cheer.” Nera cast a glance back over her shoulder at Nihad as they went through the curtain into the back hallway.

  “He’s got a keen eye when it comes to spotting rogues,” Endira replied.

  “What are you trying to say, elf?” Nera demanded.

  “Take it easy,” Malek interjected. “Last thing we need is to quarrel amongst ourselves. For the time being, we’re safe here. Let’s rest and plan our next move.”

  Nera looked as though she would respond but then shrugged and gestured for them to proceed.

  Malek turned to Endira. “Sorry. It’s been a long day for everyone.”

  “No apologies necessary. Unfortunately, I don’t foresee your time in Nexus becoming any less difficult—only more so, if that’s possible.”

  Indeed, I fear you’re right.

  Endira led them down the long corridor, which was lit by soft golden illumination, magical in nature. She stopped outside a pair of doors adjacent to the Seer’s quarters. “You are each welcome to stay in these rooms for the duration of your time here.” She opened the doors, which revealed small but cozy rooms. Nera disappeared into her room and shut the door, leaving Malek standing in the doorway of the other.

  “I’ll get some supplies and tend to your hand, if that would be all right?” Endira’s eyes appeared to shimmer in the magical lighting, and Malek marveled at her beauty.

  “Thank you, that would be appreciated. Should I just wait here?”

  “Make yourself comfortable, I’ll return shortly.”

  Malek sat down on the bed. He gingerly touched the knot on the back of his head where the dwarf had knocked him unconscious. The skin didn’t seem to be broken, so he turned his attention to his hand, which throbbed with pain. Unwinding the gauze, he saw the dwarf had done a competent job of cleaning and bandaging the wound, but the hole in his hand was a ragged tear that had been stuffed with a wadded-up ball of cloth. The wound began bleeding heavily again when he removed it. Being able to see completely through his hand made him feel queasy.

  A soft knock sounded at the door, and Endira entered with a small basket of supplies. Her eyes widened at the sight of his hand, but she made no comment. She sat beside him and removed a vial and a clean cloth. After pouring some ointment on the cloth, she gently scrubbed around the wound, removing dried blood and dirt. Malek clenched his teeth from the pain as the cloth touched the ragged edge of the wound.

  Endira stopped and gripped his forearm. “Just relax, and let the pain ebb away like a gentle tide.”

  Malek stared at the wound, and surprisingly, the pain faded just as she had described. In a minute, it was barely noticeable.

  “How did you do that?”

  Endira smiled, but he noticed a tightness to her features. “I shared your pain. Now, let me finish cleaning this.” She skillfully cleaned the wound and filled it with a generous amount of ointment before bandaging it again.

  “Thank you. That feels much better. You can let me have the pain back. I can take it.”

  “Drink this first. Your body needs rest to heal. Then you can keep your pain.” She produced a small vial filled with a pink liquid.

  Malek popped the stopper and took a sniff. It smelled like herbs and honey. He drank it in one draught.

  “Mmm… not bad,” he said.

  Endira watched him for a moment. “Feel anything yet?”

  “I feel pretty good… surprisingly so. I could go another round with the Magehunters if I had to.”

  Her laugh was what he imagined a poet would describe as tinkling bells. The room seemed to fade after a moment, and all he could see were her large green eyes and soft lips. He suddenly wondered what it would be like to kiss her, but he was hit by a wave of weariness that wouldn’t be denied.

  Endira smiled and caught him before he could fall over. He was aware of her easing him back on the bed.

  “Sleep now, Malek son of Damian,” she said. “You can face the Magehunters and your fate tomorrow.”

  Malek fell into a deep sleep.

  Chapter 24

  Endira brought the Seer a cup of tea she had prepared for him. Before he could take it, a coughing fit seized him for a moment. After recovering, he sipped the tea for a couple minutes while she hove
red nearby in case he needed anything else.

  “I sense the time has come, young one. You’ve made your involvement known by assisting the corruptor?” the Seer asked.

  She nodded, knowing the old man could see her response with his second sight. Malek and Nera were sleeping in the rooms she had provided them outside the Seer’s chambers.

  “Yes, Master,” she said. “He was in trouble, along with his companion, a plane-cursed rogue. I intervened and helped them escape from a retrieval officer.”

  The Seer nodded slowly. “All is coming together as I have foreseen… although the plane-cursed is not the mere rogue she appears to be. The will of the gods is not mine to decipher, yet the hints are there. Perhaps I will speak to her in time. I feel she has a much greater role to play than I ever suspected. I would ask that you do what you can to look after her as well, young one. Her protector has fallen, leaving her vulnerable.”

  She bowed her head. “I sense hostility from her toward me, but I know not why.”

  “Such is the way of young women protecting those they hold dear from the attentions of a perceived rival. Surely, you would know of such things.” The Seer smiled gently at her.

  Endira blushed. “I am no expert on such matters, master. I shall do as you say and try to protect Nera as well, then.”

  “Very well. Let us hope that the gods will favor us in the dark times ahead.”

  ***

  Malek awoke feeling greatly refreshed, but he had no idea where he was, at first. The cozy room was sparsely furnished, but the bed was comfortable. He saw he had fallen asleep in his robes, which were still stained with blood. He remembered Endira tending to his wound and falling asleep right in front of her after bragging about being ready to take on the Magehunters again. He groaned. I’m a hopeless fool.

  Sitting up on the bed, he saw that a washbasin and soap had been placed on a dresser. A fresh robe much like his own was draped over the back of the lone chair in the room. He quickly stripped off his soiled robes and washed himself. Remembering his pack with his changes of clothes were back in the raided flat, he sighed, realizing he’d have to buy some new clothes next time he went out.