“What did he want?” The wraith growled and tightened its grip on the dwarf’s neck, “I know he was here.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” He wheezed.
The wraith turned to Val.
“Lie.”
“Final chance,” Bragnoun grunted, “Asher saw you trying to break into that building. The only way that would happen is if you were taking assignments from somewhere else. I said the whole place is off limits.”
“I didn’t know—”
“Lie.”
A sharp claw scraped down the assassin’s face. The wraith’s mask slowly filled his sight.
“If you answer my simple question, I’ll let you go. Where is Isaan Naybellos?”
“I will never tell—”
The demonic hands gripped the man’s shoulders and ripped an arm from his torso. Blood splattered against the mask as flaming hands cauterized the screaming assassin’s wounds. It gripped his neck tighter as he sunk towards the ground. It dragged him back up the wall and to its eye level. The assault happened quicker than assassin could react.
“I want you to think long and hard about what side you are choosing,” Bragnoun chuckled, “Every mole in the Jade Tears will be punished. Not everyone will die, but I will find all of them.”
“I don’t know anything! Just that I’m supposed to follow the knight and kill him if I get the chance.”
“What are the elf’s plans?” Val asked, “Just to kill the knight?”
“I—don’t. I—”
The twitchy dwarf gagged and tried to force himself to breathe.
“He is going into shock,” It tsked, “Another lost cause.”
The wraith dropped the man. As the assassin’s legs scrambled to peel him from the ground, Bragnoun plunged a dagger into his heart.
“Worthless piece of shit,” The dwarf spat on the fresh corpse, “Waste of time.”
“Not entirely. We know Isaan has eyes on Jonen,” The wraith pulled the mask from its face.
Mira collapsed to the ground and clutched her chest. She wheezed and coughed black sludge onto the rooftop. Val helped her to her feet. She shuddered as she regained her composure.
“That looks like it hurts,” The dwarf laughed.
“Not exactly a breezy experience,” She sighed, “The transitions are harder.”
Val sliced her hand and let Mira siphon blood from her wound.
“Why have his brother’s house staked out?” Val asked.
“Because Jonen visits his brother and is away from other knights here,” Bragnoun grunted, “A good assassin would wait until he's on his way back to the barracks and take him out then.”
“And, given I am supposed to be at the palace, nights are easier to take him out,” Mira searched the rooftops for stragglers or stalkers, “He’s in there now.”
She peeked through the third story window across the street and saw the shadows of people walking pass the curtain.
“Do you want to go see him?” Val asked, “We can take it from here, you know.”
She frowned.
“Still don’t trust me?” Bragnoun snorted, “I let the orc tag me. That should be enough for you.”
“I cannot be seen with him,” She closed her eyes, “Besides, it wouldn’t be enough.”
“Need more time with the lover boy?” The dwarf laughed, “His brother won’t appreciate you using his bed, I’m sure.”
Mira furiously blushed, “It’s not like that.”
“It’s only a little bit like that,” Val teased, “Our lady of darkness appreciates her friends. Plus, she’s with Bobabano anyway.”
“You both are insufferable,” She scrunched her nose, “I do not appreciate all this teasing.”
The two laughed as Mira crossed her arms and turned away from the building. Though her tone was flat, the sarcastic words came across.
“I remember when you were barely hip high on me,” Bragnoun held his hand there, “I asked you about boys and you said—”
“Master would never allow that,” She finished the sentence.
“Aye. Look at you now. I bet he’s fuming, wherever he is.”
“Not enough,” She growled, “He’s still in hiding.”
Val wrapped an arm around Mira’s shoulders. She tensed under the touch until she squeezed her.
“I think he knows what you’re looking for and how to handle it. Will you let us take that off your plate now?”
She furrowed her brow, “Why do you insist on removing me from things like this?”
“Because you can’t be everywhere all the time, Mira,” Val sighed, “Interrogating I can do. Murdering Braggy can do.”
“I hate that nickname,” He grumbled, “But she’s right. I will have my people find information. Now that I know you’re no longer there, he can’t escape me.”
“Just remember, Bragnoun,” Her voice darkened, “He will die by my hand.”
The two assassins quietly glared at each other until the dwarf winced and grabbed his arm. The thorns on the wilting rose mark spread out towards his veins. He cursed under his breath and looked away.
“Damn annoying mark. Fine. But I am going to get mine from him.”
“Deal,” Mira smirked, “I remember your methods very well.”
Val yawned and moved her arm from Mira’s shoulders. She walked over to the edge of the pitched roof and looked into the street. A former thrall gave a thumbs up. She smirked and grabbed Mira’s hand.
“Come on, we’ve got a surprise for you.”
“Surprise?” She blinked.
“Ah, is that why you picked tonight?” Bragnoun chuckled, “Go off then. I’ll keep an eye out myself.”
“Goodnight, Braggy! Make sure her boyfriend gets home safe.”
The dwarf grinned and waved them off. Val clutched her hand tightly and led her to the edge of the building. She only let go to climb down the ladder as Mira jumped to the street.
“Where are we—”
“Just follow.”
Mira furrowed her brow and followed. As they passed packed streets, Val swiped bread rolls and tossed one to her. Mira nibbled on it as they continued through Hangral. She kept the hood of her cloak up to hide her hair and face as much as she could. Any question about their destination was met with a shush. After crossing the entire capital, Val pointed out to a ship in the bay.
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“Is that—”
“The Dragonflame? Yes.”
“Where are they –”
“Going? Nowhere. We’re going out there to them.”
“I am confused.”
“Of course. It’s a surprise,” Val untied a small rowboat and motioned for her to get in it, “Come on, we’re already late.”
“Why are they leaving if—” She grunted at the woman’s mischievous grin, “If we aren’t going anywhere, then why—”
“Mira,” She sighed, “Just stop asking questions and come with me.”
She hesitated before she got into the rowboat and rowed towards the Dragonflame. Val kept looking over at the ship as they approached. Mira did not like how quiet things were.
“Did someone try to steal the ship?”
Val shushed her again, “Tie up the boat and climb on deck.”
“Since when did you start giving me orders?”
“When did you get a sense of humor?” She snorted, “I’ll be up there when you’re done.”
Mira quickly tied the boat to the rope ladder against the hull. The unbearable silence from the deck above made her skin crawl as she climbed upwards. Something felt wrong and she couldn’t figure it out. Once Val hit the deck, she heard shushed whispers.
“She said it was a surprise,” Encante whispered to her, “I don’t think it is a bad surprise.”
“Why be so secretive? I don’t understand. I don’t like it.”
“This one has not betrayed you. You trust her, don’t you?”
“I—” Mira sighed, “I think?”
“I would trust her,” He offered, “She is not the frightened woman she once was. You could delegate more tasks to her.”
“You’re right. She did not fail the last one.”
“You need more rest to properly heal. Let the one called Val hand things with the bandits.”
“Fine,” Mira grumbled.
“You are as stubborn as your mother,” Encante’s chuckle caused her to smile.
Mira hoisted herself onto the deck silently. She jumped and summoned her glaive to her hand as a series of pops and hollers rang out. Her panicked eyes searched through the familiar faces as the crowd only yelled one thing.
“Happy birthday!”
Bobabano ran up behind her and lifted her off her feet. He threw her legs over and she sat on his shoulders. She looked down at him with her head tilted unnaturally to the side.
“Birthday?”
“I decided that today is your birthday.”
“I—What?”
“And, I wanted your first birthday to be special,” The mossy green man rubbed a hand on her leg, “So, I threw you a surprise party.”
“I am certainly surprised,” Her voice trembled under the celebratory noises around them.
Bobabano set her down and motioned at her summoned weapon. She dismissed it and furrowed her brow at the nervous crew. The genuine look of worry surprised her more than the party did. Bo wrapped an arm around her shoulder and protectively held her close. Her eyes swelled with tears as he cupped her face.
“Do you not like it?”
“I—” She sniffled.
“I thought you would like it,” He cursed under his breath, “I’m so sorry. I should’ve known—”
Mira jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck. The action surprised him, but he hugged her back. She rarely reached for him first. She sobbed heavily into his shoulder as he squeezed her against him.
“Not mad, then?”
She quickly shook her head. She didn’t understand why she cried so violently. She just wanted to hug the man tightly. Bobabano rubbed her back as she calmed herself.
“Do you want to talk about it?” He whispered, “Or should we leave?”
“I never had a birthday before,” She whispered and wiped her eyes, “I never thought I’d get one.”
“Well, every year from now on, we will celebrate your birthday on this day,” He sat her back on the ground.
“Why today?”
“I thought you would say no if I asked what day you would want it to be,” Bo chuckled and tussled her head, “Plus, I’m impatient and it’s too far away for the day you were freed. I got everything ready when I had the idea and wanted to give you a party when I could.”
His nonchalant shrug felt contradictory to his actions and the smug look on his face.
“Is this why you needed to meet with Tiero so much yesterday?”
“Of course, Lady Mira!” The yellow orc bowed to her, “An honor to be at your birthday party. I hope it is to your liking.”
“I… I don’t know what to expect.”
Ravenna brought over a glass of wine and offered it to her, “Well, Bobabano bought enough gin and wine to drown a lake. Plus, the small band.”
“Dancing, wrestling, and drinking,” Bobabano chuckled, “Out here in the bay so you can’t get in trouble if you want to let loose and blow something up.”
“Really?”
“International waters out here,” Tiero grinned and waved an arm out, “Our captain thought you may like to relax before the tournament. Please, enjoy yourself fully. Bobabano and I will not partake to make sure everyone is safe.”
Mira searched for one other person.
“Elder Amethyst is with the High Sorceress tonight to catch up. That is also why Captain Bobabano picked tonight.”
“I will keep working with Bragnoun. Bo already spoke with us earlier today. Happy birthday, Mira!” Val squeezed her arm before she walked away.
Mira looked around at the floating party in amazement. She never dreamed of celebrating a birthday even if she did know when hers was. Bobabano just decided to declare the day hers and acted as if nothing else would convince him otherwise.
“Enjoy yourself,” He gently kissed her hand, “I’ll make sure nothing goes awry.”
Mira jumped up to hug him again, “I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you for this.”
“I can think of a couple of things,” He winked, “Maybe later tonight you can give me a good thanks.”
“Crude,” She smirked but kissed his cheek, “Sincerely, thank you.”
The large orc blushed and nuzzled his face in her hair, “Well, don’t thank me yet. You haven’t even started having fun.”
“Come on, Mira!” Ravenna grabbed her hand, “Let’s dance.”
She pulled her away from his embrace. Mira emptied the wine glass in a few gulps and handed it to Bo. He nodded to her as the women rushed towards the band and the dancing sailors. His shoulders relaxed as Tiero patted his back.
“I will be honest, my friend. I’m surprised. I didn’t think Lady Mira would enjoy the party. You seem to know her quite well from our short time together,” He chuckled, “Are you sure you want to be sober for this? I can handle it. You usually are the first to jump into the party.”
“No, I’m good. I want her to know I’m capable of keeping myself together,” He crossed his arms, “Mira told me I drank too much to be reliable if something happens.”
“And you listened? I’ve told you that for a few years now. Not to mention how much money you—”
“Yeah, yeah,” He waved the words off as he watched Ravenna and Mira twirl around the deck to the upbeat music, “I didn’t have a reason to be all together. I do now. She said she would be worried about me.”
“I see.”
After chugging a fourth glass of wine, Mira’s face turned a cute pink as she giggled with the others. Her and Ravenna held hands and took turns twirling each other around. When deckhands and former thralls bowed to ask her to dance, Bo clenched his fist and grunted. His narrowed glare scared off some men from asking for a dance.
“It’s a party. They’ll want to dance with the birthday girl,” Tiero reminded him, “No need to be jealous.”
“I don’t like to see her that happy with someone else.”
“Then, why don’t you go dance with her?”
“I shouldn’t be all over her constantly, should I?” Bo sighed and adjusted his hat, “I am trying not to be that jealous. I just don’t like how she talks about that halfling.”
“I believe Lady Mira does not like when you call him that.”
He scratched the stubble on his chin, “Well, she’s not here to reprimand me.”
“Did you extend him an invitation?”
“Absolutely not. He has the authority to arrest her if she slips into her other form.”
“Do you think he would?” Tiero raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t want to find out. I’m hoping she finds my company enough.”
“Very well... But, what if Lady Mira wants him to join our journey? She is fond of him. She came to Hangral to find him, after all.”
“I’d rather not be in a foul mood tonight, Tiero,” Bo slapped a hand against his back, “Besides, look at how happy she is.”
The pair watched her swing about the deck as music played. Bobabano never saw her smile so much at a time. After downing another glass of gin, she stumbled about the deck more. The lack of grace and flawed movements made him chuckle. Her polite mannerisms seemed less forced. She seemed human and that’s what Bo wanted.
Mira relaxed as she enjoyed herself. When she started to hug her new pink friend, Tiero nearly rushed to save the orc. Their drinks sloshed as they jumped around. Ravenna laughed as Mira jumped on her back and the two tumbled over while they squealed. Tiero took a deep breath to center himself and took a step back towards Bobabano.
“Should we be concerned that Lady Mira is drunk enough to squeal like that?”
“What makes you think that?”
“The woman has immense power, enough that I am feeling it leak out now when she generally hides it well,” Tiero paused, “And it’s only been about an hour. Should we be concerned she isn’t pacing herself?”
“Come on, Tiero,” He elbowed him, “Let her live a little! She can burn it out as she needs to. She’s done it before.”
“Before or after she destroys the ship?”
“By Agrowl’s ashes,” He pursed his lips, “Hopefully before.”
“You seemed awfully relaxed,” He chuckled.
“It’s fascinating to watch her. She doesn’t know what to do with herself.”
As guests approached Mira with small, wrapped gifts, she gave them a quizzical look. She unwrapped many and looked at the odd trinkets. She thanked each person and would slip the small presents into the pouch at her side if it fit. If it was food, she immediately ate it without hesitation. Mira tried not to make faces to show how much she did or didn’t enjoy the food. But if she didn’t like the taste, she generally spat it out.
“Bo!” Mira squeaked, “Come dance with me!”
He walked towards her when she happily smiled and waved. Mira wrapped her hands around his arm and leaned against him. She swayed to the music until he moved his arms around her.
“You’ve had a lot to drink, haven’t you?”
“Yes,” She giggled, “But why are people giving me things?”
“People give presents to someone on their birthday.”
“I thought you only gave presents to your friends?”
Bobabano ran his fingers through her hair and shook his head, “Everyone here wants to be your friend, Mira.”
“Really?” The sparkle in her eye made him chuckle.
“Of course, my mermiana,” He cupped her face and teased, “Are you going to cry again?”
She immaturely scrunched her nose, “No!”
“It’s adorable how childish you get,” He laughed, “Makes you seem almost normal.”
“You’re so mean,” She buried her face in his chest and murmured, “You should be nicer to me. It’s my birthday.”
“Only because you asked,” He grinned, “Are you having fun?”
“Yes,” She giggled, “But…you said I can blow up stuff?”
Bobabano held his head up and looked over to Tiero. He nodded once before the shaman sprinted across the deck.
“Throw the barrels overboard!” His voice boomed over the music.