Finn lasted longer than I did, but the scuffle ended when one of the men struck Finn’s temple with the hilt of his dagger. He collapsed to the ground.
Middle Man glanced up and down the street. “This way.”
Leaving Finn, they dragged me a number of blocks south then west until we stopped in a small side street without lanterns. With a surge of fear-induced energy, I broke their hold. The snick of a switchblade sounded before I even stepped away. Cold steel pressed against my throat. I froze. An arm snaked around my chest, pulling me close to the owner of the knife.
“Relax,” Middle Man said. “We just want to ask you a few questions.”
“Make an appointment,” I said, but he ignored me.
“Why are you in Fulgor?” he asked.
I considered a smart remark, but the sharp blade convinced me not to be too hasty. “To find a job.”
“Why here?”
“The people are so friendly.” I couldn’t resist the sarcasm, but I regretted it as soon as the words left my mouth.
Middle Man’s gaze cut to his buddy standing on my right. Motion registered a second before pain exploded in my ribs. I slammed into the man behind me. He kept me on my feet. The switchblade remained in his hand, but it no longer touched my throat. Progress.
They waited for me to recover. Nice of them.
“Why here?” Middle Man asked again.
Time to name drop. “I have friends here. Guards on Fulgor’s security force.”
“You’re close to the Councilor. Who sent you to cozy up to her?”
“No one.”
Even anticipating the blow, I still couldn’t block it. This one landed higher, causing a sharp jab of pain with every breath.
“Who are you working for?”
“Councilor Moon.” I puffed.
Buddy moved to my left and now both sides of my lower rib cage burned.
“Are you working for the Master Magicians?”
“No.”
Another blow. My sides felt tenderized. Time for a cookout.
“Did the Council send you?”
“No.”
“Harder,” Middle Man ordered.
“I’m telling the truth!”
Didn’t seem to matter. Another two rounds of “who are you working for” were followed by precision blows. Hard enough to hurt, but not break my bones.
Before Buddy could land another, Finn appeared. He latched onto the wrist holding the switchblade, yanking the weapon down. They fought for control as the other three tried to pull Finn away. Boots pounded on the street and strident voices ordered the men to stop.
Middle Man said, “Security.” And they bolted.
By the time the guards reached us, the men were out of sight, but they chased after them. Finn’s opponent had abandoned his switchblade. I leaned against the wall. The muscles in my legs trembled and I slid to the ground.
Finn knelt next to me. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I held still and tried not to breathe in too deep. “How about you?” Blood oozed from a small gash on his temple.
“Just a cut. You don’t look fine. I’ll fetch the healer.”
I grabbed his arm before he could stand. “No.”
“But your ribs—”
“Aren’t broken, just bruised. They were professionals. Just give me a minute.” All the muscles in my upper body ached.
He settled next to me. “What did they want?”
I repeated their questions. “They think I have a hidden agenda.”
“You have worked for the Masters in the past,” Finn said. “What did you tell them?”
“The truth. I’m here on my own. Although I don’t know why a bunch of fired guards would care if my orders came from the Council or not.”
The soldiers returned. Scowls creased their faces.
The guard on the left said to Finn, “They’ve disappeared. Why didn’t you stay behind us as requested?”
“You weren’t fast enough,” Finn said. “I couldn’t let them hit Opal again.”
The soldiers grumbled, but didn’t argue.
Finn helped me stand. His concern was evident in the gentle way he pulled me to my feet. “I’m sorry for not protecting you.”
“Don’t be silly. We were outnumbered and those guys…” Reminded me of Valek and his corp. “Even with my sais…Damn. They took my sais.”
“At least they didn’t take your life,” Finn said.
“Thanks to you. How did you find me so quickly?”
“Pure luck. When I woke up, I flagged down a couple guards. We were on the way to the station to organize search teams and we passed this street.”
Nice of luck to go my way for once. Finn insisted on coming along as the guards escorted me to the closest station house.
It turned out to be HQ, and every soul on duty descended on me the instant I arrived. Finn stayed beside me as I reported the attack. We remembered a few vague details about the men, but couldn’t provide any usable information. As for a motive, I speculated on the recent security changes at the Council Hall.
The ache in my ribs combined with my fatigue, and I fought to keep my eyes open. Finn noticed and offered to walk me home. However, the guards felt one protector was inadequate and I ended up with six escorts.
Before the group would allow me to enter my room at the inn, I had to promise not to go outside without protectors. At this point, I agreed. Finn shot me his slanted smile and mimed riding a horse, reminding me of our…date?…the following day. I nodded and hurried inside. With only a few hours left until dawn, I didn’t waste any time changing my clothes. Careful of my sore ribs and wishing for Leif’s pain-relieving wet dog potion, I slid into bed.
I’d just finished my breakfast when Nic and Eve joined me at my table in the common room.
“What a stroke of luck,” Nic said. “Meeting you here this morning. A happy coincidence.”
I peered at him. “Yeah, right. Does this mean we’ll be having more of these coincidences?”
He scratched the stubble on his chin. “You liked being beat up? I thought you were smarter than that.”
“Yeah, but it was late and—”
“Strength in numbers. Eve, explain it to her while we’re walking.” He stood.
“You can’t walk and talk?” Eve asked him.
“I’d like to stay focused on other…things.”
As we strode over to headquarters, Eve said, “After last night’s attack, the Captain arranged for you to be escorted at all times.”
“All? You know I’m protected in the Councilor’s Hall and at the inn.”
“I meant on the streets. We are to make sure you arrive at your various destinations without incident,” Eve said.
“What about tomorrow? I’m going riding with Finn.”
I