Large numbers of people were coming into the square in response to the tolling bell. This was situated high up in the tallest tower and its deep reverberations could be heard for miles around. The call to attend a judicial execution was an opportunity to break from work. Besides, as Delun knew, there was a macabre joy in watching someone die. He hated the duty, having seen too many killed to enjoy the spectacle.

The fortress glistened from the recent rain. But now the sun shined and reflected off its smooth amber surface. But away on the horizon on all sides there were black clouds. Delun searched for but couldn’t spot the air mage who was holding the clouds at bay. It was typical of the Druhze that they’d order the magician to create favourable conditions despite the consequences to the poor individual. He was glad he didn’t have any magical talent. The thought that every time you cast a spell you died a little repelled him. Well, not died, but morphed into the element you magicked. He wondered what the present good weather was costing the mage.

On the battlements above, a line of guards looking like miniature toys gazed down on the plaza. Others stood near the great doors that led out onto the square. Delun’s duty was to manage the crowd. Not fitting work for a soldier but given he was in the capital he’d been ordered out to help the city guard maintain order.

He shifted uneasily. His detail stood in a line marking the point beyond which the crowd wasn’t supposed to go. But the press of people was forcing his men back. He shouted a command, “Keep your positions. Shove them back if you have to.”

Shuo grinned at him. “Perhaps, lieutenant, you’d like to come help push. Or is it beneath your dignity?”

“Watch your mouth.” But Delin said it more out of a necessity to appear to be in charge than conviction. Shuo and the rest of the squad had up to a few weeks ago been his companions. He’d been commissioned in the field and now was their overseer. He found it hard to accept the relationship, as did the squad. But they obeyed him readily enough, so he hadn’t sought to impose his authority. He could have had the man whipped for his insolent remark. But Shuo had fought hard by his side in the recent campaign and even prevented him from getting run through. It was hard to switch from companion at arms to their commander.

His attention was diverted by the roar that greeted the opening of the citadel’s doors. A procession was emerging. Front and rear were squads of guards. In the centre was a small group. A Druhze led along the prisoner. One only, he noted, which meant he must be exceptional. And that partly explained the use of magic to contain the weather. He wondered who the man was. He strained to get a good look at the individual. He was tall and dark skinned. It was more than just a deep suntan; his skin was the colour of seasoned oak. Delun had never seen someone with such a colouring. He wondered where the man had come from. He tried to picture where in the empire people had such dark skins. He’d have to ask around.

The group moved slowly and took their time to climb up the steps to the execution platform. At the front, a Druhze was observing the assembly. Delun knew enough about the Druhze’s ability to read the future to realise the man was reading the timeline, as they called it. This alone made the execution unusual. But the larger than normal deployment of guards also suggested to him that perhaps the Druhze feared a rescue attempt. This realisation made him examine the condemned man more thoroughly. He too was looking around. The thought that a rescue might happen prompted Delun to warn his men. “Be alert for anyone trying to get to the prisoner.” His men acknowledged his warning.

Keeping half his attention on the crowd, Delun watched as the small entourage made it to the top of the platform and prepared to behead the prisoner. As a result, he was looking the wrong way when suddenly the crowd started screaming and shouting.

Delun turned to see what the commotion was about. Instinctively, he gripped the pommel of his sword ready to draw it.

A monstrous bat-winged reptile was heading towards him. Red and black in colour, it had multiple eyes, clawed feet and horns on its head. It was flying straight towards the platform.

Without thinking, Delun turned and ran towards the platform. The creature soared over him and landed in the space between the panicked crowd and the citadel guards. It knocked over several people in the process. Delun spotted a child who’d fallen near the monster. The poor thing was disorientated and instead of running away from the beast was heading towards it. A foot shifted nearly crushing the child.

Delun changed direction and made for the youngster. He scooped the child up in his arms and veered off just as the beast ran towards him. A claw grazed across his leg, shredding the plates of his armour. He screamed in pain and stumbled to the ground, protecting the child with his body. He braced himself for another blow. But the dragon had moved away. It beat its wings and took to the air. A moment later, it vanished.

Seeing the danger over, Delun let go of his charge. He gazed around but, in the chaos that was now the square, there was no sign of the parents. His eyes went to the scaffold. The Duhze on the platform was descending the steps. Delun noticed the prisoner was dead. He’d been decapitated. If the creature had meant to save him, it had failed. Perhaps the Duhze had frightened it away.

Shuo ran up to him. “Did you see that? Did you see that? What was it?”

Lim, another soldier in his squad, arrived. “Delun, I mean lieutenant, are you hurt?”

Delun felt his leg. Apart from a dull ache, it was fine. There was no wound. But he would have a bruise. The greave had absorbed the blow, but it had been ripped to pieces in the process. He took it off and held it up. “Only my new uniform.”

The men laughed. The rest of his squad gathered around him. The damaged piece was passed from hand to hand.

Delun got to his feet. The square was emptying fast. There was no sign of any casualties from the beast. The child he’d protected had disappeared. He hoped he’d find his parents. “Well, lads, I guess it’s back to the barracks for us.” He sought out the captain who’d commanded him earlier. The officer had vanished along with his company. Delun shrugged his shoulders and set off towards the barracks.

Yang Zi was standing with a group of spectators as the prisoner was led out. She immediately recognised her Yansu mentor. She braced herself for her rescue attempt. She didn’t have much time. Keeping the cortege in view, she edged forward. She got scowls from those around her she pushed past. Someone swore at her. She ignored them, intent on her mission. Ahead of her a line of soldiers marked the perimeter to the scaffold. She got to the front of the crowd just as the procession mounted the stairs.

The stalls to each side of the street provided the ideal cover to observe the approaching group. Jia-Li stood with her back to the men pretended to inspect the wares of the one nearest her. It sold little ornaments, the kind that grandparents bought for birthdays. She fingered a toy representation of a cat. Cheap and mass produced, it held little charm. She placed it back next to its siblings as the three men walked past. They were easily recognisable dressed as they were, especially the Duhze in his striped shirt with its long hanging sleeves. She turned into the crowd to tail them. She could have reached out and touched the nearest one. But confronting them in the thoroughfare wasn’t a good tactical decision. She watched them push their way through the crowds. She followed after them.

She kept back leaving room for others to go ahead of her as they progressed slowly up the street. She wasn’t worried about losing sight of them, they were too distinctive for that. They were deep in conversation so she wasn’t concerned they might turn and notice her. They came to a junction and turned left. A few moments later, she did the same. This new way was less densely packed, so she began to pay attention to not being seen. She needn’t have worried. Whatever they were discussing occupied their attention.

The men came to a noodle house and entered. Jia-Li waited outside and examined the establishment. Not much distinguished it from the many others that dotted the city. It was not the kind of eatery she expected them to frequent. There was, however, an enticing aroma coming from inside. It made her hungry. She ignored her stomach’s suggestion. Instead, she gazed up and down the lane plotting her escape route. Her eyes went up to the rooftops. There were several ways she could climb up if needed. She clasped the daggers she’d concealed in her clothes and went in.

The place was packed with all the tables occupied. The men had found a space halfway down the room. They were talking to what she took to be a waiter, or it might have been the proprietor. She moved slowly hoping that he’d leave the trio. But it was not to be. She got to the table and stood behind the man.

She kicked away one of his legs causing him to stumble and go to his knees.

Seeing what had happened, the Druzhe half got up. “Why did you…”

She lunged plunging both her daggers into his chest. Whipping them out, she stabbed the other two men who were scrambling to their feet.

Someone screamed. Shouts.

Jia-Li turned and ran for the door. Now that surprise was lost, she hadn’t the time to make sure she’d killed the others. At least she was sure of the Druzhe. A cry behind her. She increased her speed knocking over a waiter with a tray. Bowls of noodles flew everywhere. Her collision nearly sent her crashing to the ground. But she kept her feet and plunged out into the street.

    Delun noticed the Druzhe and his companions enter. He recognised the man from the execution. He briefly wondered if he was the object of their attention, but they hardly glanced in his direction. They settled down at a table nearer the door.

“So, do you know where we’re being posted?” It was Rong.

Delun shook his head. He hadn’t been listening to the conversation. He turned to his dinner companion. “I’ve no idea.”

Taio guffawed, “As an officer, shouldn’t you know?”

Lim joined in. “Hear! Hear!” He banged his tankard on the table making their bowls jump. “Shouldn’t you be buying us all a drink?” He leered at Delun. “Lieutenant.”

“As your superior, shouldn’t you be paying for mine?” Delun reposted. He’d had this conversation before and knew where it was headed.

A scream.

Delun’s gazed snapped towards the sound. He saw a woman stab out at the men at the table with the Druhze. The magician had collapsed. Delun spotted blood on his clothes. Delun half rose to his feet.

The woman was running towards the door. He shouted out, “Stop her!” But everyone was stupefied by events and she escaped.

Delun grabbed his sword, He’d placed on the table when they’d sat down. He dashed for the door. He had to push past a couple of customers who’d risen to their feet. He wasn’t gentle. They went sprawling. He half checked himself as he charged out the entrance. One part of his mind told him he was being stupid. Perhaps she’d be waiting to attack him. But he chanced it anyway. If he didn’t take risks, he’d not catch up with the assassin.

Once outside, he searched both ways as he checked his pace. To his left, none of the passers-by fit her description. He spotted her going off to his right. He immediately sprinted after her.

As if she knew he was after her, she turned and saw him. Her eyes blazed. Angry. He charged towards her, clutching his sword, ready to use it if necessary. There could be no mercy for her actions.

But Instead of running, she made towards the nearest building. Delun could only watch in amazement as, as agile as a monkey climbing a tree, she clambered up the side and onto the roof. She disappeared before he got to her.

Undeterred, he followed. He gripped a window ledge. His foot found a toehold and he levered himself up. He didn’t have her ability but by brute effort and will he scrambled up after her.

Again, he worried she might be waiting to catch him at a disadvantage. He hesitated momentarily before hoisting himself onto the roof. He spotted her clambering over a parapet towards the next house. Getting to his feet, he dashed after her. As he ran, he dislodged a tile. This nearly caused him to slide off and plunge to the street below. He swore.

Taking greater care, he made it to the parapet. He peered over. She was already nearly at the next roof. He’d have to hurry if he wasn’t going to lose her. He vaulted the wall and praying he’d not hit a weak part of the roof, rushed across the tiles. His boots clattered on the shingles. It made the woman turn. Her face widened into an expression that was a cross between rage and annoyance. She hesitated a second before resuming her flight. She clambered over the wall to the next house and he lost sight of her.

Delun made the best speed he could to the parapet. He jumped up to peer over. The roof beyond marked the end of the row of houses. The woman stood looking at the drop below. She turned to face him as he climbed over onto the roof. She held her knives at the ready.

Drawing his sword, Delun approached her slowly. When he was three quarters of the way, he called out, “You can’t escape. Surrender.” Her eyes flashed in defiance. She stepped towards him. The blades came up.

Delun was able to get a good look at her. Long baggy trousers and shirt over which she wore a short jacket. Nondescript clothes that made her out to be a lowly servant. A serving girl who’d just killed three men in cold blood. There was more to her than an angry wench bent on revenge.

He took another step towards her and raised his sword. “Throw down your blades.”

She spat at him, “And face Druzhe justice?” She gestured at the roof. “Better to die here.”

Knives against a sword, she had no chance. He’d give her a quick death. Taking the initiative, he lunged at her.

She parried his blow with her knives. Then moving with a speed and agility that caught him off guard, she swung under his blade and slashed at his sword arm. His armour took the cut. But she used her other knife to slash at his leg.

The cut where she’d wounded him felt as if he’d been stroked there. It couldn’t be serious if he was still standing. To protect himself, Delun stepped back lashing out blindly with his sword.

She easily dodged his blows. A knife deflected one of his swings that otherwise would have struck her. He’d never met anyone so capable with a knife. And against a sword! Delun took another step back and paused considering how to tackle her.

She crouched facing him, her knives pointing at his heart.

Suddenly, his wounded leg wobbled. He toppled over and rolled down the roof. Before he could stop himself, he was over and plunging towards the ground.