Tanith had a bad feeling about this.

The city gates on the inland side stood tall and proud, with clean white walls. But they were crumbling from loose mortar in some places, just like last time. And the shore was crawling with Babarassians. The fighting had been going on all day, and it was impossible to get a real count. The city was in chaos.

Now, Kata and Tanith were busy getting the supplies they needed for a return journey. Difficult because half the usual areas for buying were abandoned. Eventually, she ran into a merchant named Lilas. And he'd been kind enough to provide what they needed for a reasonable price.

"How did you get this grain on short notice?" asked Tanith.

"By the skin of my teeth," said Lilas. "I've had to press my workers very hard to get anything out. With the chaos of Lord Rius' helplessness, things are impossible."

"That is not how you talk about nobility," said Tanith.

Her anger at his stupidity had been directed at Relma and Arengeth. Mostly.

"Forgive me," said Lilas. "I had to discipline several long-term servants of mine. It has left me ill-disposed."

"Well, you have to keep discipline in the ranks," said Tanith.

"Sir Gabriel knows a great deal about that, I suppose," said Lilas.

"Of course he does," said Tanith. "William is true nobility. He might not associate with commoners much, but he lives to ensure their safety and well-being."

"The commoner's safety?" asked Lilas, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," said Tanith, explaining as she would to a child. "That's how the feudal deal works. We protect, lead, and set a moral example. They follow and give us taxes. You should know this already; you're one of us."

Lilas nodded. "Well, I won't keep you any longer. I'm sure you have a long journey ahead."

Lilas had been taking her measure.

Why?

"Pay him, Kata," said Tanith.

Kata moved forward and gave Lilas the agreed-upon payment. The money was from the ship. Lilas opened his mouth to speak to Kata, but Tanith looked at him. He shrugged and nodded.

"Good day," said Lilas.

And he went off.

So what had Tanith learned from that? Lilas had been helpful, but he'd told her nothing. No personal statements or explanations of who he was. Nothing other than the fact that he was a merchant and interested in learning about Tanith. He was around Duke Vanion's age, so what did he want here? Was he nobility?

"Keep your knives close," said Tanith. "This is one of their ships. You'd better have a couple of people ready with spears at all times.

"Double the guard. Also, don't go into bars; you'll get eaten alive."

"Is it that dangerous? They eat people?" asked Kata, eyes widening.

"No, but this place seems a lot different than before," said Tanith. "I'll find the supplies, stay here, and don't let anyone near the ship. Something is happening here, and if you don't have a strong front, you may get walked on." She turned to walk away.

"Don't you need the money?" asked Kata.

"I'm going to have a look around," said Tanith. "We're not shipping out until William is out of the city. Keep a guard up here and take nothing on faith."

"We did in the Islands of Torment," said Kata. "A merchant who broke his word would never have business again. It happened to a few of Tavish's associates who tried to fleece us." That was why Tavish made the move he did. Or whoever was backing Tavish?

"Yes, but you have a smaller population," said Tanith. "And short-range boats. So, if you went around cheating people, everyone would know who they are. This place is filled with people who will never return after they leave.

"When you deal with someone, always ask, 'What can I do to this person if they cheat me?' If they are on the pier without the cargo and they demand the money, you tell them you want to see the cargo. Once you confirm it's all there, you give them what you owe them and nothing else. They'll count it out carefully if they're smart.

"Trust no one; verify everything."

"How do you sleep?" asked Kata, curious.

"With a beautiful woman in each arm, if I'm lucky," said Tanith, giving her a smile that made her blush. "Otherwise, I sleep at home. You can only feel secure when you have someone you can trust backing you up."

"If you say so," said Kata doubtfully.

"I'll be back," said Tanith.

Tanith made her way down the pier and out to the main dock, which was well-paved and had quite a few less sick people. Many of them had been going off looking for William since he started healing them. Which was fine with her, but she noted several men gathering. These were not Babarassians at all.

They had skin like Harlenorians, but their features were less angular. They were more stocky, and they wore their red hair short. Most wore leather and spears. She remembered some of these kinds from the campaign. Bretusians, a group of men from another world. She'd had to kill a few for looting.

Raynald had given strict orders. And while they had been good fighters, they'd been bad company. They tended to swear a lot and had little respect for class. Even men of their class. From the looks of things, after finishing in Khasmir. They'd come back here with the rest of the mercenaries.

Clever.

Naturally, they'd have merchant contacts to arrange all this. And the Babarassians were being used as a ploy to move in. No doubt they'd push Rius to appoint people or give them more power. So, kill them all and let the Gods sort them out.

Tanith kept walking. As she did, many rough and ready men accosted her.

"Get back, bitch," said one. "You're not getting off this dock alive. You or any of those animals."

Tanith was going to enjoy this. "Don't be a fool. I'm going to go wherever I want because I am a noble of Harlenor, and you are foul-mouth immigrants. Kata is my friend.

"You have no authority to bar me." There were seven of them, all rough-looking. Why hadn't they robbed Lilas blind? He'd been poorly guarded and holding a lot of money.

"Our weapons are our authority," said the man.

Tanith walked forward anyway, and they were on her with weapons. A few moments later, their blood was all over the streets, and her swords were back in their sheathes.

One of them was still alive and gurgling.

"Yeah, because another pointless fight is exactly what I need," laughed Tanith. She put her foot on his skull and crushed it. "You're really lucky I didn't get any of my blood on your tunic. I've got people to impress." She spun her swords to get the blood off.

Everyone else stepped back nervously. Making sure to check behind her, Tanith moved toward one of the merchant's inns. Most of them hosted merchants who supplied ships along the shore. As she did, however, she saw a familiar face.

He had tawny brown hair and was clad in white. His eyes were wide, and there was an innocent look to him. A child ran by in front of him and tripped and fell. She started crying while clutching her leg. Tanith moved toward him, noticing a boy preparing to swoop in as he knelt by her.

"Ow, my leg!" cried the girl.

"Hold on, let me see," said the man. He healed the bruise. There was a middle-aged man in the alley, beset with sores.

"Are you sure you should be doing that, Mr?" asked the girl.

"Don't worry about it," said the man. "A Paladin's job is to help the needy. Go on."

As the girl ran off, she snatched the Paladin's purse. Tanith, however, remembered him now and caught up in a few strides, drew her dagger, and set it to the thief's throat. "Give me the damn money, you little brat, or I'll carve your eyes out!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't-" began the girl.

"I don't care whether you are sorry," said Tanith. "Stealing from nobility is a severe crime. Give the money to me!"

The girl gave the money back with a gulp. So Tanith removed her knife and stood up. "Now, get out of here. If you want to steal things that don't belong to you, join a fleet and raid your nation's enemies."

They ran off, very nervous, and Tanith looked to the Paladin, who looked in surprise. Now she remembered him from the mission. She tossed the coins back to him. Several others were injured.

Tanith thought about the sick man. Then she shrugged. He was a Walesan and probably an enemy. She had no healing powers, and obviously, Paladin had better things to do. If he was lucky, he'd run into William.

"You always were an easy mark, Suran," said Tanith. "How have you been?"

"Not in the habit of threatening children with knives," said Suran. Since when did he care so much about orphans?

"You're nobility, Suran," said Tanith. "Nobility of a foreign world, but nobility nonetheless. If you don't stand for your rights, you'll lose your rights." She hugged him and then separated. "Let this kind of thing slide once, and you fall off a ledge."

"I could say the same thing about you," said Suran. "Is what happened in Gel Carn true?"

"Depends on what you're talking about," said Tanith. "Benarus was doing nothing while Telix was raiding his people." The man in the alley was listening, and it bothered Tanith.

"You went over the local Lord's head," noted Suran.

"I lost all respect for him when he let his people get kidnapped by demons and did nothing," said Tanith. "Once he did that, the only bond we had was money. And he wasn't paying me nearly enough to justify the disrespect I was getting."

"You haven't changed," laughed Suran.

"Are you going to heal that old man?" asked Tanith.

Suran looked up. "...There are always going to be the sick and injured. I wasn't even supposed to be healing that girl. Unfortunately, there are too many people to help right now."

"Fine, whatever, I don't care," said Tanith.

Suran seemed to feel the gaze of people on him. "We shouldn't be talking here. It's a long story, but I could use your help. You have a minute?"

"Well, my mission is more or less accomplished, so why not," said Tanith.

Suran led them down the street, and Tanith walked. Why hadn't he healed the guy? He'd already drawn a crowd, so what did he lose by it?

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"So," said Tanith. "Did you hear about the fighting?"

Suran nodded. "I think we could use your help, then. My brethren and I were preparing to do something about... all this.

"The truth is I was reluctant to do much healing for fear of certain operations. One or two people could pass under, but we could have a problem any more than that. Have you heard about the Healer's Guild?"

"Yeah, I know they were setting up operations. They haven't gotten here, have they?" asked Tanith. The odd thing was that Suran was a bit like Lilas, like but unlike.

"They've taken over everything. Technically speaking, it's illegal to heal without reason," said Suran. "Though I don't think this extends to noble privilege."

"So do it anyway," said Tanith.

"We have to keep a low profile," said Suran. "It's a rule."

Tanith didn't believe this for a minute. "So why were you healing the pickpocket? That would have gotten you way more attention than some drunk."

"I had a moment of weakness, and I didn't see him," said Suran. "Once everyone was looking, making a spectacle of things could be bad."

"Fair enough," said Tanith, who was rapidly losing interest.

A beautiful elf maid with long, dark hair and a heaving bosom was sitting in a shadowy corner. She wore white garb. Tanith noted that she had a very slim waist and wide hips. She spoke in low tones with several other armored men and seemed the leader.

Most bore the emblem of the Paladin Order, the symbol of two shining eyes. "Suran, you are here at last," she said, breathless. "Yet I note in your company one of the companions of William Gabriel.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"This is Tanith Telus, an old friend," said Suran. "We worked together at war with the Calishans. She wasn't with William when I found her."

Tanith sat across from the woman, noting a weather-beaten man beside her. "Suran and his men staged a distraction that drew off the Calishan army. They held out on a hill while we seized their fortress. When they saw Antion's banner raised over the hilltop, they panicked. Then Suran descended like a hell fiend with his men and routed them.

"I didn't even get a chance to flank them before we were overrun."

"Well, I wouldn't want people calling me a hell fiend," laughed Suran, sitting down. He was always trying to be nicer than he was.

"Well then, I welcome you to our company," said the woman. "I am Farwa Arenstar of the Paladin Order, and I am here on behalf of Lord Dunmoore. It is my great honor to have been given one of the first commands to elves in the order.

"What business brings you here?"

"Chance mostly," said Tanith. "I was escorting a friend as he handled some problems. Some of them I created, so it's the least I can do."

"You refer to the incident with the dragon, Adrian Wrynncurth?" asked Farwa. "I have seldom heard of any dragon who has been a friend of man nor a moneylender. Wrynncurth is both, so I am certain you have your reasons." The other Paladins looked at one another, then at him.

"You are too hard on him, Farwa," said the weather-beaten man. "Wrynncurth is in a difficult position. He survives by lending money; the more money is in a place, the more the wicked are drawn to it.

"One who handles coinage will always get their hands dirty. That does not mean they are rotten at heart."

"And who are you?" asked Tanith.

"I am Aras," said the man. "A ranger of some repute.

"I met your friend, William Gabriel, earlier. He has decided to start a fight in the best way. I'm afraid things are now moving much faster than we thought." Aras, the name of the Prince?

And he held authority here?

"Farwa, can we avoid a war?" asked Suran in concern.

"Probably not," admitted Farwa. "We'll just have to curb needless destruction and make it turn out for the best."

"The best could mean different things to come here," said Tanith. She looked at the fire nearby. Then she saw him;

He had messy blonde hair and big, innocent eyes. He had a cheerful expression on his face and wore bright colors. He was talking to a long-haired redhead who looked far more emotionally mature than him. She endured his silly and eccentric explanations without complaint, and he amused her.

All because he made her laugh.

It was a new redhead to take care of him. Complete with a sword and quiver.

Anborn.

Tanith went for her knife and was caught by Aras as she meant to stand. "Why do you go toward your brother with murderous intent?"

"You know why," said Tanith. "Unhand me."

"I cannot allow you to murder your brother," said Aras.

The redhead looked over to Tanith, who met her gaze, then relented. She had not heard what was said but now had a thoughtful look on her face. Anborn kept talking and eating greatly, but she was no longer amused. And then, at that moment, she realized the part he had in her and that he had it no longer.

Standing up, she spoke a polite word to him and walked out. Right past another girl he'd had the same relationship with spiky red hair. Her hair was a touch brighter. Anborn looked slightly disappointed, then finished his meal and walked out.

She'd kill him.

"He is still young," said Aras, catching her hand.

"He's twenty-four," said Tanith. "And older than me. You should have let me kill him."

"It would grieve your parents deeply," said Farwa.

"Less deeply than you'd think," said Tanith.

"Friends, friends, please!" said Aras. "We are here to discuss the problem of chaos in the streets.

"I think we can leave one man late to mature for later."

"Somehow, this is his fault," said Tanith.

"Let it go," said Farwa sadly.

"Judging from the number of armed Babarassians, I'd say there has been a takeover," said Aras quickly. "Someone has been orchestrating a series of conflicts here to destabilize Ascorn.

"Perhaps to take power-"

"No, for trade," said Tanith. "To throw the trade routes into further chaos. Ascorn is the most important port on this side of the continent. If it breaks down, transit breaks down. And with the early ending of the war, many people are out of work."

"Whoever it was," said Aras. "They would need to be very rich. And also not nobility.

"A noble would never risk the rebellions that could ensue; they are invested in the land. The Sornians might use such tactics. But they are preparing for a full-scale war in the Islands of Power. The Merchant Lord, Sen Kaba, did make a killing, purchasing weapons at a loss."

"Escor doesn't have time to play this kind of game," said Tanith. "Arengeth is hardly holding the place together. Gel Carn is a backwater with no pull, and Wrynncurth has nothing to gain. Everyone else is too remote to set this up without a contact to open the door."

"Whatever the case, we have a serious problem," said Aras. "Lord Dunmoore is on his way as we speak. And this is not a cure better than the disease. Dunmoore is no fool but is used to a different kind of evil."

"Do you think Rius will lose his position?" asked Suran.

"It's possible," said Aras. "Leaving a land unmanaged for a time is acceptable. Provided that land is well-managed in your absence. Rius, however, has been physically present and has not kept control. Far from it, he has profited by it tremendously."

"In that, we may be agreed," said Farwa. "Happily, Lord Dunmore is en route as we speak. Our main task is to locate the usual areas of operation for the various entities. Then, we determine if they are criminals.

"Our contact, Imogen, has identified them for us."

"Can you rely on this person?" asked Tanith.

"Well, she's the Goddess of Thieves," said Aras. "So yes.

"Imogen always sides against organized crime, though not organized criminals. But she only tells as much as she wants to. So I expect there is a great deal she hasn't told us. In my experience, she is generally benevolent."

"But can you rely on her?" asked Tanith.

"I will vouch for her in this," said Aras. "She does not like large groups of criminals getting organized. Her preference is a more heroic kind of thief. The ones' who steal fire from the gods. Or who steal from the rich and give to the poor. Often, she introduces herself as a childhood friend, which she is, in a way.

"Anyone who has ever stolen sweat meats or seen them stolen knows it. Though, those of a more rustic kind rarely meet her."

"Whatever the choice, the matter has been decided for us," returned Farwa. "I confess, this place has not impressed me."

"Damning inditement indeed," said Aras, laughing. "I should hope to be able to produce one or two counterpoints."

"We need to act as their ally. To set an example to give them hope," Suran halted.

"I'd much rather just kill the reason I need hope in the first place," said Tanith, liking Suran less by the minute. She looked to Farwa. "And what are your plans now?"

"Our purpose is simple," asked Farwa. "We open the gates when Lord Dunmoore arrives. From there, we direct him to all critical areas so we can liberate them.

"You and others have until then to fix things."

"We can handle the gates," said Aras.

"Knowing Rusara," said Tanith. "Amenos might already have a plan and be putting his pieces into place. You should seek out Amenos."

"Are you sure he has good intentions, Tanith?" asked Farwa gently. "Dust Elves often use deception as a means to advance their goals. They have a sense of honor, which is not based on right and wrong. Rather on respect."

"So what?" asked Tanith. "Everyone does."

"I am more concerned about your friend William," said Aras. "He is trying to confront the corruption of the world directly. Thus far, that policy has served him well.

"However, there have already been several assassination attempts. For his sake, I think we must fix things here and get him into the wilds. Jehair can lead him by the best paths. And it'll be harder to send men after him then.

"Will you take us to meet these Furbearer friends of yours?"

"Of course," said Tanith.

So Tanith ended up leading a force of Paladins toward the ship. As she did, she began to wonder about Aras and Farwa.

"So, how did you and Farwa fall in together?" asked Tanith, looking to Aras.

"A long story involving a chance meeting in a moonlight glade and very rash decisions," said Aras with a laugh. "I wish I could say they were happier days, but things were getting much better until now. Much of my effort has been tasked with preventing the world from sliding back.

"As it is for many greater adventurers.

"But everything ends, and now we are nearing the coming of the Heir of Kings. Or so many say. Our lot is now to ensure that the realm is sustained until they take up their mantle."

"I don't believe in the Heir of Kings," said Tanith. "I never have.

"A man who has won a great battle can easily establish himself as a King. Old prophecies are a useful tool to do it."

"Then you don't believe Relma Artorious is the one," said Aras.

"She's a politician," said Tanith, remembering her. "She wants to make herself King, so she pretends to be this wonderful wide-eyed messiah. And she manipulates people around her to make that possibility come closer.

"But she doesn't earn any of her victories for herself.

"They were won by others, and everything goes her way. Anyone with a problem with not getting paid for months of work is the villain. Just think about what all the miracles used to prop up that manipulative bitch could have been used for?

"Why does she get the same reward as William from Elranor? She had a wonderful hiking trip up a mountain while William went through hell.

"You can't be a leader unless you're willing to get your hands dirty. And she is obsessed with keeping her hands clean."

Silence.

"A damning assessment," said Aras. "Which tempers the accounts I have already heard.

"Thank you. I shall reserve judgment until I meet her myself. Tell me of your vendetta with Argath Marn?"

"He created me," said Tanith. "Trained me into what I was and then expected me to be something else. But I didn't break with him over that."

"It was over the Heir of Kings?" asked Aras.

"No, for money," said Tanith. "I got drawn down to work for Benarus in a war. I spent a lot of money going halfway across Antion. The journey was hell, and I had to go through Blackfear.

"Then I arrive and got stuck doing knife tricks for enough money to eat.

"And when the battle finally arrives, Benarus denies me my payment. He tries to give me half of it. So I took all my men, left him to rot, and killed two black dragons when they came to arrest me. If all Benarus wanted was to be safely humiliated, I decided he could do it without me.

"He is better than Rius, but that isn't saying much."

"Let's not speak of a Lord in his city," said Aras. "Instead, let's drink and go about our tasks."

Tanith walked back at night and got back to the pier. She was pleased to note that Kata had kept her guard up. The Furbearers were well-armed now and had many weapons taken from their bodies. They had formed a barricade with a narrow opening. Four guards always stood with spears, and Kata was waiting for her.

From the looks of things, they'd been fishing corpses out of the water. Now, they had set aflame to them, and more were being piled on.

"Tanith, what's going on here?" asked Kata, looking concerned. "Who are..."

"These are Paladins from Antion; you don't have to worry," said Tanith. "You can trust them as much as anyone."

"We've sworn an oath to protect the innocent and-" began Suran. Then he became aware that Farwa's gaze was on him. "Obey the authority of our superiors."

Aras chuckled, getting a disapproving look from Farwa.

"Who are you?" asked Kata, looking stunned to see Farwa.

"My name is Lady Farwa of Qor'Danas and the rest of my brethren," said Farwa. "This is Aras, a longtime friend, and Suras, one of my subordinates. Who might you be?"

"Kata of the Furbearers. I am near to royalty, or as close as we have in our systems," said Kata, shifting. "Tanith saved us alongside William Gabriel. Though I would know why you are here?"

"We're waiting for for-"

"Amenos," said Tanith, as Amenos appeared quite suddenly. "How do you do that trick with the shadows?"

"Tanith Telus, you are here at last," said Amenos.

"How long have you been there?" asked Suras, blinking.

"Quite long," said Amenos. "William has been speeding things up with his healing a little more than anticipated. Now, everyone is racing to try and keep up. And whatever side William is on will see many recruits.

"But I cannot find him. I would guess he has been delayed in a part of the city I can't access. My brethren and I have had some knife work to do."

"Amenos, please tell me you know what is going on and that you have a plan," said Tanith.

"Actually, yes. And I intended to initiate it shortly," said Amenos. "Lady Farwa, may I ask what forces you have available?"

"Several dozen knights, each with their retainers," said Farwa. "Most of them are present here. All in various places. I am in command, and they are as bold and strong men as you will ever find."

"Then you and I should speak," said Amenos. "For now, it is integral that the slaver operations be curtailed. The Babarassians hold many of them as strongholds, owing to a long association. Aras... I know of you. Will you accompany us?"

"I will," said Aras. "Thank you. Lady Kata, you and your advisors should join us."

Tanith didn't know whether Amenos knew who he was or just wanted his opinion. It hardly mattered. "Kata, if you don't need me, I'll stand guard here."

Kata looked at the Furbearer from before. He nodded to her. What was his connection? "Thank you, Tanith. We will not need you for this."

At that moment, Jehair got back. She looked tired and was as pretty as ever. Tanith remembered that she'd fulfilled all her contracts perfectly when they were together.

"Tanith Telus, you look as you did before. No scars or signs of wear," said Jehair.

Tanith smiled. "More's the pity."

Journeying with Jehair had been nice. Jehair was not by nature a judgmental person, and the two of them had gotten on well. In addition, Jehair was very easy on the eyes, and the hides she wore clung to her hourglass figure nicely. William could not be in better hands. Wait, he wouldn't end up falling for her, was he?

No.

Jehair was too professional and would not want him anyway. William was fifteen. No competition there.

"Suran, can you and your assigned men handle the slaver compound?" asked Farwa.

"What?" said Suran. "Me? But shouldn't I help in the main battle?"

"I need someone I can trust to observe things. Give them whatever help they need," said Farwa.

"But what if-" began Suran.

"Be patient, Suran," said Farwa. "Stay with the Furbearers and defend them. Make sure they don't become victims of this place.

"You're not as far down the road to your goal as you hope."

Suran nodded.

"Yes, milady," said Suran.

"I will accompany them and ensure all is done as William commanded," said Jehair.

"Just make sure you don't drag him into any more crisis," said Tanith. "William has never found one he wanted to stay out of."

"I shall do as I can," said Jehair with a smile.

They moved off quickly. At least it would be good practice.

"Farwa, we should speak of our resources," said Amenos.

They went to one side while Farwa halted. Tanith looked at her thoughtfully. She really hoped they'd have a real bloodletting soon.