The formal attire of his office itched. Lord Commander Crisson typically dressed in a simple work uniform, distinguished from the common guard only by the insignia on his shoulders. But today he meant to make an impression. Thus he wore the fitted, elegant coat with its braided cords, the badge of office pinned to his chest, and the high peaked hat. And thus the honor guard of similarly, though of course not quite as impressively, attired men at his back. The Lord Commander stood by silently while the man at the gate listened to his lieutenant’s announcement. The gatekeeper was clearly as impressed by the show as he was meant to be, and waved them through without a word.

Near the house, the signs of the commotion from the morning were evident. The conservatory wall was shattered, and glass was scattered about all over the ground leading toward the gate. The Lord Commander stopped a little back from the front door and the lieutenant went forward to knock. He didn’t get a chance. The door jerked open and there stood a scarred man. He was the Thief Lord’s newest high-ranking agent in the city, Neal by name. The usual arrangement, that Crisson usually went along with, was that the Lord Commander didn’t really know what Neal did. His men left the Thief Lord’s men alone, and they returned the favor. At least that was how it was supposed to work. If the rules had been followed, he wouldn’t need to be here.

Neal snapped the door closed behind him and strode out to meet the Lord Commander.

“Sir,” he said. “What brings you here?”

“I am looking for a girl,” Crisson said. “A friend of Lady Mala’s. She has been reported missing, feared to have been taken.”

“How unfortunate,” Neal said. “I wouldn’t know anything about it.”

“Really?” Crisson said. “I had hoped a man with your connections might be able to help the Guard.”

“Of course, I will assist the guard any way I can,” Neal said. “But I don’t know about any girl.”

“Even so?” Crisson nodded. “Of course, even for a man such as yourself, things, even important things, may escape.” He looked pointedly at the hole in the conservatory wall. “Escape notice, I mean.”

“Indeed,” Neal said stiffly.

“And of course, if you do have any chance to help ensure Lady Mala’s friend’s safety, you will not hesitate to bring it before the guard. Lady Mala is a special friend of the King’s.”

“Of course,” Neal said.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“Glad you understand,” Lord Crisson said. “Even for a man such as yourself, the King’s friends take particular attention. One would not want to fall into disfavor with him.”

“Will that be all?” Neal said.

“Just one more thing,” Lord Crisson said. “The King is also concerned about the rebuilding of the market. A company of my men will be there, to help assure the merchants of their safety.”

Neal stopped with his hand on the doorway and looked back over his shoulder at the Lord Commander. “What a comfort.”

~

“So this is the lady?” Crisson asked. It was hard to think of him as Lord Crisson while he was standing, plainly dressed, in Garon’s small shabby bedroom.

“I’m me,” Kiri said. “I’m sorry to cause trouble. As you can see, I’m fine.”

“I admit,” Crisson said. “I came here personally because I was curious to know how you got out through that wall. And without a single scratch on you!”

“I didn’t…”

“No point denying it,” Crisson said. “There are plenty of witnesses. They saw you run down the street and then disappear from the coffee shop with Lord Garon there. But don’t worry, none of them knew who either of you were.”

“Oh,” Kiri said. “But I don’t want any more trouble.”

“There won’t be any, not over that,” Crisson said. “The King has decided to not bring it to the courts. But I’ve issued a warning. The Thief Lord cannot do something like this and expect his agents to be immune. The rules have changed.”

“It seems to me he is immune,” Garon said. “You aren’t doing anything about it!”

“Lord Garon, respectfully, you have no idea what you’re talking about,” Crisson said. “My men will not give impunity any longer to the Thief Lord’s agents, they will no longer act freely within the walls of Laed. But neither will we start a war now and try to capture them all at once. We are doing something. The matter is complex.”

“Thank you,” Kiri said, watching Garon out of the corner of her eye. He needed to accept this for the huge change it was.

“Lady Kiri,” Crisson said. “I will not be able to sleep until you tell me! How did you get through the wall?”

Kiri shrugged. “It was glass. I was desperate.”

Crisson shook his head. “To have to make do with such an answer! You are indeed mysterious, girl! Good luck with her, Lord Garon!” He shoved his hat back on and stomped into the hall.

Heat rushed into Kiri’s cheeks and she slammed the door behind Crisson with vigor.

“Did you hear that?” She demanded of Garon. “He acted like you own me or something!”

“Don’t I?” Garon said.

Kiri grinned and stepped up to him. “Yeah, right,” She said, and she pushed up onto her toes to kiss him. “Good luck with that.”