Avenging Shadow (Amica Saga #1)

Prologue

A thousand years ago in a land named Amica, an extraordinary event occurred. A new star appeared in the night sky, and its brilliance grew and grew until it was visible in the daylight. In the center of Amica lay a land inhabited solely by magicians, and the new star created a frenzy of excitement among those scholars. Hundreds of mages left their homeland and spread out across the continent to observe the phenomenon from different vantage points. Eventually, they concluded that the object was on a collision course with their world, and they joined forces in an attempt to destroy or deflect it. When it was finally understood that those efforts would fail, they combined their most powerful magics to create the greatest shield to ever exist. It was not enough to protect Amica.

The devastating missile struck squarely in the center of Amica, just to the east of the great mage city, Taragor, throwing rocks and debris hundreds of leagues into the sky. That debris plummeted down on Taragor and the countryside around it. In an instant, thousands of powerful mages vanished, their homeland buried under tons of rock and dirt.

Hundreds of mages did survive, however. Those magicians who had left Taragor for other areas of the continent lived on, but they were now forced to live among the mundane peoples of Amica, and those ungifted people blamed the catastrophe on the magicians. Calling it an act of evil magic, the people tried to force the magicians to leave their homelands. The homeless magicians quickly learned to use their powerful skills to subdue the peoples opposing them. Eventually, the mages took over the areas where they now lived. Using their magical powers, the mages created new countries and set themselves up as kings, demanding the peasants' loyalties under the penalty of death. Greed and lust for power grew within the mages' hearts and soon they began to wage wars with each other. Thus began the Great Mage Wars of Amica.

For hundreds of years, the wars wracked the continent, destroying the countryside and decimating the population. The strife was not continual, but respites were few and short. For the populations living under the mage lords, it was a life of slavery followed by a gory death.

Eventually, a soldier in one of the smaller kingdoms was compelled to act, refusing to be an unnamed pawn in a destructive game between powerful magicians. His actions would change the course of history. His name was Terrus, but he would be called the Liberator by thousands. With the help of a magical artifact, the Sword of Articus, Terrus defeated the mage lords and banished them to the Island of Lantana. He organized their Supreme Council and convinced them to return to their peaceful studies of magic, but he also warned them that they must never again seek to rule over Amica. The mages vowed to obey the demands.

The magicians of Lantana returned to their scholarly studies, but they did not remain in isolation. They needed supplies from the mainland, but they were hesitant to allow outsiders to their island. Eventually, they created mage ships to trade with the ungifted peoples of Amica. As that trade grew, Lantanan ships became the dominant shipper in all of Amica, and shipping warehouses and offices were built in every major port of the mainland. This enterprise not only brought great wealth to Lantana, but also kept the mages informed of what was happening in every area of the mainland. With such knowledge and wealth, the temptation to ignore the age-old vows grew, but the Supreme Council of Mages in Lantana was determined to avoid any dangerous entanglements with Amica. It kept most information about the mainland among the twelve members of the Council, but there were hundreds of mages on the mage ships and on the mainland managing the shipping offices. The task of the Supreme Council was a difficult one, yet their efforts had worked for centuries.

The peoples of Amica nurtured their devastated lands, and the nations of the mainland flourished and grew in peace for hundreds of years. Yet there are always those who desire more than the status quo, and rumblings of conflict eventually began to grow. As the Amica Saga begins, some people in the small nation of Kor began to rebel against an increasingly demanding king. For the first time in centuries, black clouds of turmoil gathered over the small nation occupying a corner of the continent. The Great Peace of Amica was beginning to unravel.

Chapter 1

Gray Cloak

The wind raged out of the dark sky, driving an angry sea before it. The waves crested in white billows, sending salt spray over the Spirit of Albion, but the large three-masted merchant ship glided towards the city of Odessa as if the sea was nothing more than a calm lake. The mage-driven ship turned effortlessly into Odessa Harbor and headed for the company docks.

On the bow of that Lantanan ship, a lone man pulled his gray cloak tightly about him. He pulled his hood forward and turned away from the spray, focusing his eyes on the Kingdom of Kor looming ahead. A pang of anxiety shook Antioch's body, but he refused to let his nervousness show. He carefully scanned the approaching docks, looking for any sign that his arrival might have been anticipated. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, he sighed slightly, letting some of the tension drain from his body. He picked up his pack and slung it over his shoulders. He then picked up a sheath holding a two-handed hiltless sword and walked towards the center of the ship. The black tang of the sword was barely visible outside its sheath.

Within minutes the Spirit of Albion slid smoothly alongside the dock, and Antioch stepped onto the planks without waiting for the ship to be moored. Adopting a seemingly unhurried gait, Antioch moved swiftly towards the dark streets of the wharf area. As he did so, he glanced at the darkness of a nearby alley. The shiver of anxiety immediately returned. He saw nothing and heard nothing from the alley, but he was sure that he was being watched. He now suspected that his passage on the Spirit of Albion had been reported, and that meant great danger. He casually altered his course away from the alley, his eyes searching the line of taverns that now lay before him. He selected one of the taverns and entered the building.

The common room was noisy but not crowded. Antioch glanced quickly around the room as he closed the front door and strode towards the rear door. A few customers glanced at him as he entered the room, but their interest lasted only a second before returning to their conversations. Antioch slipped out the rear door and into the darkness of the alley.

Moments later, a man rushed out of the rear door of the tavern and glanced in both directions. The alley was empty. His brow furrowed as he tried to decide on a course of action. Deciding that the alley was far too long to his left for his target to have reached the end in such a short span of time, the searcher turned to his right and ran towards the mouth of the alley. When he emerged from the alley, the searcher knew that he had lost his prey. He cursed under his breath as he realized that he would have to report his failure, and that report would not be received well. The searcher shuffled off in the direction of the castle unaware of the stealthy, gray-cloaked figure following him.

* * *

Fairfield was a small village a few leagues northeast of Odessa. It sat amidst lush fields of grain and served as the economic hub of the agricultural area surrounding it. The main street of Fairfield was part of a regional road that passed through the village, connecting Odessa with other areas of the Kingdom of Kor. The last building on that main street was the blacksmith shop, and a sign hanging from the building proudly proclaimed that the shop belonged to Pavel and Son. Inside the shop, two men huddled over a small wooden box. The exterior of the box was simple but highly polished. Inside the box were six new knives which rested in form-fitting slots covered in lush red velvet. Pavel picked up each of the knives in turn and examined it critically before returning it to the box. He nodded in satisfaction to his son, Marcus.

Lord Montbalm will be pleased, Pavel said to his son. I want you to deliver them to him personally. The price is already agreed upon, and he will give you the gold when you give him the knives.

Marcus smiled broadly. Delivering the knives meant a trip into Odessa, and he always enjoyed a visit to the city.

It appears that you do fine work, a voice said from behind Marcus.

Marcus whirled around to see a stranger standing behind him. The man was clothed in a gray cloak, and his hood was pulled forward to hide his face from onlookers, but that was not what startled the young blacksmith. It was the fact that the man had approached him without Marcus being aware, and that rattled the young man. He stepped back a pace and frowned, but the stranger's attention was not focused on Marcus. He was staring intently at Pavel.

I find it odd that a smith with such ability is wasting his effort in a farm town such as Fairfield, stated the stranger. Why do you not move to Odessa?

Odessa already has fine smiths, Pavel replied evenly as he focused on the black tang protruding from the sheath on the man's back. What brings you to Fairfield?

You do, smiled the stranger. I am Antioch, and I am seeking a master of metals. Your fame as a man of rare talent has spread widely, and I have traveled a great distance to do business with you.

Pavel nodded indifferently as he closed the box of knives and moved it aside. He absently tapped his finger on the table as he spoke to Antioch.

Let us see the sword, Pavel said. I am assuming that you are looking for a hilt?

I am, nodded Antioch as he removed the sword from its sheath and gently placed it on the table. This is not a task for just any blacksmith. I must be convinced that you possess the skill required to complete the task successfully, and I will demand that you alone work on the sword. This is not a weapon to be entrusted to an apprentice.

Pavel raised an eyebrow and shook his head. He fixed his gaze on Antioch in a challenging manner.

If you are speaking about my son, Marcus, Pavel said sternly, you had best mind your tongue. This forge knows no apprentices, only two masters. My son's skills are the equal of mine, perhaps a bit better in some areas. He has a feeling for metals that cannot be learned. It is a gift that he was born with. Whatever work is accepted by this shop is accepted by both of us. If you cannot abide by those conditions, you are free to take your business elsewhere.

Antioch frowned, and he glanced at Marcus, as if seeing him for the first time. While the son appeared to be a mere twenty years of age, his muscular build spoke of many years of tending to the forge and anvil. He sighed anxiously and nodded.

Very well then, conceded Antioch, but I will reserve the right to take my sword elsewhere if I feel that either of you lack the skills required to please me.

We would have it no other way, agreed Pavel as he reached out and grasped the sword.

Deep creases marred Pavel's forehead as he lifted the hiltless sword. He glanced questioningly at Antioch and wordlessly shook his head. He handed the sword to his son. Marcus's eyes widened as he took the sword from his father. He stared along the black length of the sword and focused on a section of the upper blade that was wrapped in leather. His hand instinctively reached for the leather wrapping to undo it.

Do not remove the leather, Antioch said quickly.

Marcus frowned, but he halted his inspection.

This metal is lighter than anything I have ever encountered, Marcus stated. Where was this sword forged?

I don't know, admitted Antioch. I can tell you that others have tried to fashion a hilt and were unsuccessful. Their failures seem to indicate that a metal much like the sword must be found.

How many others have tried? asked Pavel.

Antioch sighed and shook his head. I have lost count, he said wearily. Truth be told, you are probably the end of the line for me. I believe that the metal is not of this world, and the hilt must be fashioned from the same metal. I am sorry for bothering you.

Antioch reached for the sword, but Marcus handed the sword to his father instead. Antioch's face grew dark as he thought the men were trying to take his sword, but Pavel's broad smile immediately changed his mind.

You have presented us with a challenge, Antioch, the older blacksmith said in a friendly manner. Let me get Marcus off on an errand and then you and I will sit down and discuss the sword. If such a metal can be found, and I think it can, we will complete this sword for you.

What of Marcus's feel for metal? asked Antioch. Will that gift not be needed to find such a metal?

Indeed it will, nodded Pavel, but he is only going into the city to make a promised delivery. He will return in the morning, and we have much to discuss before that time. Let me get him off and then we will close up the shop and retire to my home where you will spend the night.

Pavel did not wait for a reply. He put down the sword and picked up the box of knives. He scribbled a bill and placed it in the box and then wrapped the box in cloth before handing it to Marcus.

* * *

Marcus finished brushing his long black hair and started to bind it into a tail as he usually did each morning before going to the forge. He halted and glanced at his reflection in the mirror, his mind lingering on thoughts of Sierra, the daughter of Lord Montbalm. He was suddenly tempted to leave his hair unbound to impress Sierra, but his musings were cut short as he heard the bell for the morning meal. He glanced around the lavish bedroom that Lord Montbalm had provided for him and shrugged indifferently. With a practice honed over the years, he quickly bound his hair and grabbed the pouch of gold from the dresser. He tied the pouch tightly under his tunic and hurried down the stairs to the dining room. Lord Montbalm and his family were already seated around the table, and Marcus blushed slightly with embarrassment for his tardy arrival. He sat across the table from Sierra and smiled at her. Sierra returned the smile.

I was planning to take a stroll through the marketplace this morning, Sierra announced, her fingers absently toying with a strand of her long blonde hair. Would you care to accompany me, Marcus?

Marcus smiled broadly, but Lord Montbalm cut short the blacksmith's response.

I am sure that Pavel needs his son at the forge, the lord declared. I suspect that Marcus will be leaving Odessa as soon as he finishes eating.

Marcus glanced at the lord and nodded in agreement. He knew that Lord Montbalm liked him, but he suspected that the lord felt strongly that his daughter should marry the son of a noble. Marcus dared not raise the ire of an important client, so he cast his gaze at his plate and ate in silence.

Within an hour, Marcus had passed through the northern gates of Odessa and was riding towards Fairfield. As he neared the village, Marcus noticed that the few locals out and about were looking at him queerly. They waved at him in response to his wave, but they acted as if they were in too much of a hurry for anything more than a wave. There were no verbal greetings nor attempts at conversation as was usually the case. Their actions struck the young blacksmith as odd and out of character. Fairfield was, after all, a rather friendly village, and everyone knew Pavel and his son. Marcus glanced down at himself, half expecting to see his clothing in some embarrassing manner of disarray, but nothing appeared out of place.

As the buildings of the village came into view, Marcus frowned deeply. Glancing along the road, he immediately noticed the absence of the forge's peaked roof. As he drew nearer, his jaw dropped in horror. Where the forge and his home should have been, there was only a charred heap of burnt timbers. The scorched chimney was the only thing recognizable, and Marcus felt a lump form in his throat. He frantically looked around for his parents, and his eyes eventually focused on the field next to the burned forge. His two friends, Adrian and Cantel, were standing in the field waving for Marcus to come to them. Alongside his friends stood a beautiful young woman, her long black hair splayed over her white cloak in stark contrast. Marcus rode toward his friends and dismounted.

What happened here? asked Marcus. Where are my parents?

They were arrested, answered Cantel. The Crimson Guard took them away last night.

They are accused of aiding the rebels, added Adrian. I am sure that it is all a mistake. Your parents would never aid the rebels.

That won't matter, scowled Cantel. Once they are accused, they will never be let free. The king's men would never admit that they arrested innocents.

Are my parents all right? Marcus asked hesitantly. Were they hurt in the fire?

They are fine, offered Adrian. They were already out of the building before the soldiers burned it down.

The soldiers burned the forge? Marcus asked. Why would they burn the forge?

I think it was an accident, offered Adrian.

It was no accident, Cantel retorted, his eyes glaring at Adrian. The soldiers were looking for a rebel that your parents were hiding. They couldn't find him so they burned the building just in case he was hiding in there. If they couldn't find him, they meant to burn him to death.

Marcus dropped the reins to his horse and slumped to the ground. He sat staring at the debris and shaking his head. Tears welled up in his eyes, and his hands curled into fists. The woman silently reached out and grabbed the reins to Marcus's horse. She walked the horse over to a tree and tied it securely before returning to the group. She stared at the young blacksmith with interest, but she said nothing.

Your parents did have a man staying with them last night, Adrian said. Why would they invite a rebel into your home?

Marcus shook his head. If the man was a rebel, he replied, we had no knowledge of it. He was just a man who wanted a sword repaired. I spoke with him before I left for Odessa yesterday. We talked strictly about his sword and nothing else. He never mentioned the king or the rebels. We do not even have an interest in politics. This has to be some kind of a mistake. I have to go to Odessa and speak to the king. My parents have done nothing wrong.

I wouldn't do that, warned Cantel. The Crimson Guard will arrest you as soon as you show up in Odessa. We don't get to see much of rebels in these parts, but I have heard tales from travelers at my father's inn. There is a fierce war raging between the rebels and the king. Up near the Damblier Mountains, there are skirmishes daily.

Are you sure the stranger was only interested in getting his sword repaired? asked the woman. Could he have been saying that just because you were present?

Marcus looked up at the woman and frowned. He was sure that he had never seen her before, but Adrian and Cantel seemed comfortable in her presence, as if she was a longtime friend.

I am positive, Marcus replied. He had a sword that needed a hilt. I examined the sword myself. I was to meet with him again today to discuss finding the proper metal for it. That is why he was staying overnight with us. Who are you?

Call me Mari, smiled the woman. Can you describe the sword? Maybe if we can find it in the wreckage it will add credence to your story when you speak to the king.

Marcus glanced once again at the charred debris of the forge and shook his head. It would be the only black hiltless sword in there, he sighed, but I doubt that we would find it. I don't think Antioch would let it out of his sight. He was very protective of it.

The soldiers carted off all the weapons, stated Adrian. You won't find so much as a knife now.

And speaking to the king is a terrible idea, added Cantel. You really will be imprisoned. If you don't believe me, ask my father.

Unless we can find Antioch, offered Mari. If we could find him and show the king that he is not a rebel, that might free your parents.

I never saw him before yesterday, sighed Marcus. I would have no idea where to look for him. If he wasn't in the building when the soldiers came, he might have decided to move on. Maybe my father knows where he went.

Then we need to break your parents out of the dungeons, declared Mari.

Are you crazy? gasped Cantel. You can't just walk into Odessa and break someone out of the dungeons.

Why not? asked Adrian. There are four of us. Some of us can provide a distraction while the rest of us sneak in and steal the keys to the dungeon.

We couldn't even get into the castle, scowled Cantel, never mind anywhere close to the dungeons.

Quiet, Marcus pleaded as he held his fists to his temples and stared at the ground in front of him.

For a long time no one spoke and no one moved. Eventually, Marcus's three companions could stand the idleness no longer. They moved away from Marcus and began talking softly among themselves.

Is he all right? Mari asked softly.

I am worried about him, confided Cantel. He has just suffered the greatest loss anyone could suffer. He has lost his parents, his home, and his livelihood all in the same night. I can't imagine what he will do. I am worried that he might seek to end his life.

You don't need to worry about Marcus, stated Adrian. I have seen Marcus like this before, although not quite so severe, but he is not contemplating suicide. He is planning his course of action.

His course of action? scoffed Cantel. He has no course of action. He cannot get his parents back, and the forge is a worthless endeavor. Oh, we could help him rebuild the buildings, but that would be a wasted effort. The king will eventually seize Pavel's property. We would merely be rebuilding the place for the crown. There is nothing for him to plan other than which way to run.

Run? questioned Mari. Why would he need to run?

The officer of the Crimson Guard wanted to know about the rebel that was staying with Pavel, answered Cantel. He seemed to be more interested in finding him than anything else. I suspect that they will torture Pavel to learn where Antioch went. Capturing Marcus will give them some leverage over Pavel. Marcus has to flee Fairfield if he wants to live.

The Crimson Guard probably doesn't even know that Marcus exists, scoffed Adrian. He can stay with us as long as he wants.

Cantel looked past his friend and inhaled sharply. If the Crimson Guard doesn't know about Marcus, he whispered alarmingly, then why have they returned to Fairfield?

Adrian and Mari turned and followed Cantel's gaze. Entering the village from the opposite direction, twelve soldiers of the Crimson Guard rode into town. The men gazed in every direction as if searching for someone.

Come and stand before Marcus, commanded Mari. The soldiers must not find him.

She did not wait for a response. She moved as swiftly as she could without drawing attention to herself. She stood directly in front of Marcus and then turned her back to him.

Do not move, Mari instructed Marcus. Stay exactly as you are until the soldiers leave the village.

Adrian and Cantel arrived seconds later and flanked Mari.

This is not going to hide Marcus, whispered Cantel. We need to find a place for him to hide.

It is too late for him to flee, replied Mari. They will be looking for someone trying to avoid them. Just stand next to me and act as if we are friends talking casually. Do not move from my side. If they question us, say that you have not seen Marcus since yesterday.

They won't fail to see Marcus, frowned Adrian. Maybe we should run screaming down the street to distract them while Marcus hides.

Just stand next to me, Mari replied sharply. They will not notice Marcus.

Why won't they? asked Cantel.

Because they will be focused on my beauty, grinned Mari. Just trust me on this. I have had experience with soldiers.

Cantel and Adrian exchanged disbelieving glances, but neither of them spoke. Cantel glanced behind him at Marcus who was still sitting on the ground with his fists to his temples, seemingly unaware of the approaching danger.

Minutes later, two soldiers approached the group in the field. The officer halted in front of the standing trio and examined both of the men. Seeing nothing of interest, he turned his attention to the woman.

Where is Marcus? asked the officer.

I am not from Fairfield, answered Mari. Tell me what he looks like, and I will tell you if I have seen him.

The officer narrowed his gaze as he stared at the woman. He is the blacksmith's apprentice. He stands about as tall as these other men and keeps his hair tied tightly in a tail.

What color is his hair? Mari asked with interest.

Black, answered the officer as his gaze flickered towards Adrian and Cantel. Have any of you seen him today?

I did see him, Mari said quickly. I saw him about an hour ago. You should take your men further up the road to the north. Is he dangerous?

The officer ignored the question. He turned and hurried off, calling for his men as he returned to his horse. The soldiers mounted and galloped out of Fairfield heading north.

They will kill us all when they find out that you lied, stated Cantel.

I didn't lie, Mari smiled thinly. I did see him about an hour ago. I never said that he went north. I just told the officer that he should take his men further north.

Why didn't he see Marcus? frowned Cantel, as he turned to gaze down at the ground behind Mari. Marcus was gone. He looked up and saw Marcus running for his horse. Where is he going?

Mari turned to see Marcus mount his horse and race towards the road.

Where is he going? she echoed.

He is off to free his parents, Adrian replied with a grin.

He is off to get killed is more like it, scowled Cantel. He may be able to best the two of us in swordplay, but he is no match for the army. They'll cut him to pieces.

Mari ignored the banter and ran to her own horse. She raced after the blacksmith and managed to catch up to him in just under a league.

Slow down! she shouted. You don't want to attract attention to yourself.

Marcus slowed his mount, and Mari rode up alongside him. Marcus looked at the beautiful woman and shook his head.

You don't want to be around me, he warned.

Yes, I do, smiled Mari. You are going to rescue your parents, and I am going to help you.

Why? frowned Marcus. Why endanger yourself over people you have never known?

Mari shrugged. It seems like the right thing to do, and you can't do it by yourself. Are you too proud to accept my help?

Marcus stared at the woman. She had two short swords, one at each hip, and a bow and quiver on her back. He suddenly saw the woman in a new light. Slowly he nodded in approval.

I am not too proud to accept your help, Marcus declared, but neither will I seek to endanger you needlessly. We will attack this problem together, but you are free to leave at any time. Is that acceptable?

Mari merely smiled.

Chapter 2

Helpful Women

Mari halted as the walls of Odessa came into view. Marcus halted alongside her.

Let your hair down, commanded Mari as she stripped off her white cloak and rummaged through her pack. She procured a bright red scarf and handed it to the blacksmith. Wrap this around your neck. It will give people something to focus on besides your face.

Marcus stared at the woman and his curiosity grew. Under her white cloak, she was dressed entirely in black leathers, and the garments spoke of fine quality and expert tailoring. He watched as Mari adjusted her sheaths, bow and quiver. As a finishing touch, she tied her hair up in a bun. Marcus shook his head in amazement. The new Mari looked nothing like the woman in the white cloak, and the blacksmith could hold his curiosity no longer.

Who are you? he asked. And why do you feel the need to disguise yourself?

Consider me a friend, Mari said with a slight smile. As for changing my appearance, being around you requires that I take precautions. Those Crimson Guards will eventually return to Odessa, and they will realize that I sent them off on a fool's errand. I would prefer that the woman in the white cloak not be seen in the city.

Agreed, Marcus replied cautiously, but that does not explain who you are.

I am a traveler who has taken an interest in your plight, shrugged Mari. I am also a woman who can take care of herself. I will help you free your parents and then we will go our separate ways. Would you prefer that I leave you alone?

No, Marcus said quickly. I will be indebted for any assistance you can offer. Do you know anything about Odessa Castle and where the dungeons might be?

Most of the castles in Amica are similar in many respects, answered Mari. It is almost as if they were designed by the same person ages ago. If Odessa Castle is like the others, there will be two types of cells. The dungeons will be below ground level, and the cells for important prisoners will be in one of the towers. The first trick will be discovering where your parents are being held. Do you know anyone who works in the castle?

No, Marcus shook his head, but I may know someone who can gather that type of information. I don't know if he will want to get involved, though. Let's get into the city and then discuss this further. I feel too exposed out here.

Now that I can agree with, chuckled Mari. Lead on, Marcus.

The two riders continued along the road in silence. A while later they entered Odessa through the northern gates. The guards waved them through with only a casual glance, and Marcus felt the tension drain out of him. He had expected to be scrutinized, but he suddenly realized that for the citizens of Odessa, this day was like any other. The people appeared unconcerned about the happenings in some remote village, if they were even aware of any troubles outside the city walls. Once they were well away from the gates, Marcus halted and Mari stopped alongside him.

I need to visit a friend, Marcus said. It would be wise if I went alone. I don't want your presence to raise questions that I cannot answer.

I understand, replied Mari. We can meet in the market when you are done.

Marcus nodded in agreement and started off in the direction of Lord Montbalm's estate, leaving Mari in the middle of the road. The ride to the noble's estate was short, and Marcus asked to see the lord. A moment later, he was escorted into the dining room where the lord's family was eating the midday meal. Lord Montbalm waved towards an empty chair and Marcus sat down.

I had not expected to see you again so soon, opened Lord Montbalm. Was there an error in the amount of gold I gave you for the knives?

No, Marcus replied. I have not even opened the pouch you gave me. The honor of your family requires no verification. I came to speak to you privately about a most urgent matter.

The lord raised an eyebrow at the mention of privacy. Lord Montbalm disregarded the presence of his wife and daughter and urged the blacksmith to speak.

Say what you have come to say, he stated.

Just before I left Fairfield yesterday, Marcus began, a stranger had arrived at our forge. He needed mending of a hiltless sword, and the sword was forged from a rare metal. It was just the type of project that intrigued my father, and he accepted the challenge. I was to meet with the stranger this morning when I returned to the forge. When I did arrive home, I found the forge burned to the ground. Worse, I heard that my parents had been arrested for conspiring with rebels. I know the charges to be false. I have come for your counsel.

The lord's face darkened. The rebels have become a major source of irritation for King Brotus. Once your father's name is associated with the rebels, there will not be much hope for his future.

But my father is innocent, interrupted Marcus. Can you not explain this to the king?

Your father is the greatest blacksmith I have ever known, replied the lord. That is why I continue to patronize him even though he lives far outside the city, but I cannot stand before the king and attest to his innocence. I truly do not know where his heart lies, and I would be placing my good reputation at risk on your word alone. I cannot risk my family's security on such a venture. I am sorry, but I will not speak to the king on your behalf, other than to attest to the superb quality of your workmanship.

The lines of disappointment were obvious in Marcus's face, but he knew better than to try to change the lord's mind. Instead, he tried to change his approach.

You have access to the castle, Marcus noted. Can you at least find out where my parents are being held?

You have no need of my services in that regard, replied the lord. You can ask at the gates to speak to your parents. I doubt that you would be refused.

I would be arrested, retorted Marcus. Crimson Guards visited Fairfield this morning looking for me. I suspect that I am also being accused of being a rebel.

The lord's face clouded with darkness, and he glared at the young blacksmith.

You wish to know the location of your parents, scowled the lord, yet you believe that you will not be permitted to speak to them? Say no more to me, he added as he rose and pointed to the door. I do not want to hear your thoughts if they are what I think they are. You had best leave my home immediately before I feel obligated to report your visit.

Marcus was tempted to berate the lord for his callousness, but he merely sighed and shook his head. Without a further word, he rose and left the room. He left the mansion and walked to the stables. As he was preparing to mount his horse, a soft voice shattered the stillness.

Marcus? called Sierra. Don't leave yet.

A moment later, Sierra rounded the corner of the building, a sigh of relief escaping her lips.

I am glad I caught you in time, Sierra said as she moved next to Marcus. Do not blame my father for his attitude. He cares for you and Pavel a great deal, but he cherishes his reputation above all else.

I understand, Marcus replied glumly, but his reputation is not worth the lives of my parents. We have done nothing wrong, Sierra. You must believe me.

I do believe you, Marcus, smiled Sierra. You are not one to make idle assertions. If you say that you are innocent, then you are innocent. I cannot believe otherwise. I have come to help you.

Help me? frowned the blacksmith. Against your father's wishes?

My father has a keen mind, Sierra said, and he excels at matters of the mind, but he has forgotten that matters of the heart are just as important, if not more so. I suspect that I know what you intend, but do not try to enlighten me. It is far better for all if I remain ignorant, but I do have friends within the castle. I will find out where your parents are being held. Where are you staying?

I had not planned to stay within the city, frowned Marcus. After a moment's thought Marcus continued. I will be in the market until it closes. If you have not come by that time, I will find a reason to remain nearby. Sierra, are you sure you want to do this? I do not want to place you in danger.

I will be in no danger, Sierra smiled sweetly, and I will meet you before the market closes.

The young woman turned to take the footpath away from the stables. After just a few steps, she halted and turned around. I really like your hair, she grinned. And then she was gone.

Marcus stood and stared at the emptiness before him. In his mind Sierra still stood there smiling at him, and his own smile slowly turned upside down. He realized that Sierra had been right about the importance of matters of the heart, but he now worried that he was dragging that beautiful woman into a dangerous world that she had no business being a part of.

A distant voice called out for Sierra, shaking Marcus out of his musings. He recognized the voice as belonging to Lord Montbalm, and that stirred the blacksmith into action. He swiftly mounted his horse and rode out of the estate. Once he was on the city streets again, Marcus decided to check out the castle. He had seen the castle before on his trips to the city, but he had never had reason to carefully inspect it. He did so now. For the next couple of hours, Marcus rode slowly around the base of the castle, paying particular attention to those windows that were protected by iron bars. When he noticed one of the guards paying too much attention to him, Marcus turned towards the center of the city and rode to the market. He sought out an inexpensive inn and rented a room for the night. Leaving his horse in the stables, he strode into the market looking for Mari. She found him almost immediately.

You were gone a long time, greeted Mari. Problems?

My acquaintance will not speak to the king, Marcus replied, but I have someone trying to locate my parents. She plans to find me in the market, so we must not stray too far.

Mari raised an eyebrow when Marcus mentioned his helper was female, but she did not comment about it. And when you learn of their location?

Marcus sighed and looked around warily to see if anyone was within