It took us an hour to get through the gate.

The rumor that Sipher had discovered the secret to immortality had spread to the public now and despite Kire publicly saying that he’d verified that Sipher had been lying, it hadn’t stopped the crowds from demanding his release.

There had been two more attempts to break into the prison, with one of them actually getting some mantled people through the outer walls of the prison.

Gall and the other two went to the east side of the city, while Nyssa directed me towards the center. Kire was at the southwestern most area of the Sanctum Ward and the south side of the city was bordered by water, making a water exit make the most sense. Though there wasn’t much land to the west before we hit the coast either, so that might be a good backup plan, though it was pretty obvious that Gall and Nyssa were the ones calling the shots.

I drove to Bano’s Bakery, a small pastry shop that looked like it was getting close to closing for the evening.

“What are we doing here?” It was already dark outside and this did not look like the type of place where we’d be having a secret meeting. Especially since I’d seen a guard station a few blocks away.

“Go around back.” Nyssa closed the menu on her CB and got ready to get out.

“Okay, but what are we walking into? I need to know some details.” I parked the Chaser near the back door.

Nyssa pulled out one of her knives as she got out of the vehicle. “Follow my lead.”

I started to pull out my sword, but it would be difficult to swing it much inside. Instead, I pulled out the crossbow and loaded a bolt into it.

The golden woman walked over to the back door like she owned the building and opened it. We only made it a few steps into the kitchen before a sixty-three year-old blonde woman with yellow eyes and golden skin walked in.

“What are you..?” She shook her head and nodded to her right. “Office is through there. We’ve got some cots in there too.”

“Cameras?” Nyssa still had her knife out.

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“Only in the front. Stay away from this door and you’ll be fine.” The older woman looked at me. “Put that thing away. I’m the only one here and if you get out fast enough, you can be gone before the other staff gets here in the morning. I’ve already told Rames to come in late, so you won’t have to worry about him.”

I put away the crossbow. “What am I missing?”

“Viskor, this is Kiera Bano.” Nyssa nodded at the door behind the other woman. “In the morning, Trixie is going to come in with her two guards and get breakfast. We’re going to slip a powerful sedative into their usual order, then take them in the back and take their credentials. Trix has another interview scheduled with Sipher at eight, so we just have to be there in time for that, then we’re gone.”

I stepped out of the way so Kiera could lock the door behind me. “What happens when the guards wake up? Won’t they figure out that you’re working with us?”

Kiera laughed. “An Authority vehicle got hijacked so that a pair of Mantled could try to drive it into the jail.” She patted my shoulder. “I think you overpowering me is believable.”

“How is Rames?’ Nyssa put away her knife. “I haven’t seen him in…” She closed her eyes as she thought. “Fifteen years?”

“Since the Mantle ceremony.” Kiera frowned. “Terrible business, him dropping out right after once he had Vone, then he had Irelyn right after.” The older woman smiled. “But then he had little Evell. She’s eight now, so not so little.” Her eyes got a little wistful. “I wish he would have stayed in the program. He’s only level twelve? Can you believe it? A grown man in his thirties and only level twelve!” She looked around the shop. “He’s lucky that we don’t need to supplement with runs. I don’t know how we’d manage if we did.”

“Sounds like he’s doing good. You’ll have to show me pictures.” Nyssa smiled.

“I’ve got lots!” Kiera began going through the menus on her CB. “Always thought the two of you would wind up together.” She shrugged, then held out her arm. “But I guess it all works out.”

I started feeling tired and it seemed like I wasn’t needed. The thought of having an actual bed, even if it was a cot, that I could get a full night’s sleep on was too inviting.”I’m going to get some sleep, unless you need me.”

Nyssa shook her head. “Probably a good idea. We’re going to have to wake up at..?” She looked at the older woman.

“Three.”

Nyssa’s shoulder’s sagged. “Three to get the bakery started.”

“We have to get the bakery started?” I looked between the two.

“Trix isn’t going to be the first customer.” Nyssa looked at me. “For us to sell this, the store has to stay open, which means we have to make the pastries and since I can’t be out there. You’re going to have to work the counter.”

That did not sound like fun. But it didn’t sound too difficult.

“Then I really need to get to sleep.” I nodded at Kiera. “Nice to meet you.”

Kiera just nodded as she went back to pulling up pictures on her CB. I left the two women talking as I went into the office and crashed on one of the cots.