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Unable to match the superfast speed, Valek scrambled to block but remained a hair too slow. The edges of Ambrose’s blades sliced the skin on Valek’s arms. Pain burned, but he ignored it. Valek had a much bigger problem. He was running out of room to maneuver. If that happened, Valek would leave a smear of blood on the wall as he sank to his death.
Deflecting the Commander’s double thrust up instead of to the side, he kicked the Commander in the stomach. The solid impact pushed Ambrose back a few steps, giving Valek a little more room.
Valek sidestepped and dropped to one knee, thrusting his knife toward the Commander’s thigh, aiming for the femoral artery. Ambrose dodged the attack and once again Valek was on the defensive. As the fight lengthened, Valek’s energy ebbed. He sucked in air and his throat burned with the effort.
Valek rallied and tried a number of offensive techniques. Familiar with each of them, the Commander countered with ease. The man wasn’t even sweating.
After a few more exchanges, Valek sensed he was about to reach the limit of his skills. The certainty of failure brought desperation, which reminded Valek of his rooftop fight with Onora. It was clear there was no way he’d beat the Commander. Not with his knives. And not using conventional fighting tactics.
Bracing for pain, Valek blocked a double jab to his midsection, then dropped his weapons. He grabbed the Commander’s wrists and found the pressure points. The tip of a blade pierced Valek’s left bicep, but he clamped down hard, pressing his fingers and thumbs on the points.
Ambrose yelled as the all-consuming pain traveled up his arms. Using a pressure point created a unique sensation that dominated the entire body and scattered all thought and reason in the victim. Devlen had taught them to Valek a year ago. In any other fight, Valek would never have resorted to using them, because in any other fight, Valek wouldn’t need them to save his own life and ensure his family’s safety.
The Commander’s weapons clattered to the floor. Valek kept his hold until the Commander sank to his knees. Then Valek released one wrist. He picked up the closest knife and rested the sharp edge on the Commander’s neck. Valek let go of the man’s other wrist. The fog of pain cleared from Ambrose’s golden gaze. He stared at Valek, waiting for death. No fear shone in his eyes. No requests for mercy. No promise to stop the invasion of Sitia in exchange for his life. Not his style.
Valek tensed, preparing to end the Commander’s life. But he was unable to execute that final move. Valek couldn’t kill him. If he slit the Commander’s throat, Valek would regret it. They’d shared too much history, friendship and even love. Ambrose was a part of Valek’s family. Owen had ruined everything between them, but Valek wouldn’t let the dead magician force his hand.
“Finish it, Valek,” Ambrose said. “If you let me live, I’m going to invade Sitia.”
And Valek would have to live with the consequences. War and death and no hope for a peaceful life. Or was there hope? Valek’s comments to Leif about trust came to mind. Perhaps he should trust the Sitians. They’d certainly proven their resourcefulness in the past. Valek released the Commander. “You can try. Sitia will surprise you.”
“Then why the assassination attempt?”
“Because I forgot.”
“You forgot what?”
“That I’m a Sitian now, and we don’t solve our problems by assassination.” Valek found his knives and sheathed them. “I’m retiring as Chief of Security. Effective immediately.” Valek headed for the door. He only had a few days to warn Sitia.
“I can’t let you leave,” Ambrose said.
Valek spun with weapons in hand.
The Commander stood and smoothed his uniform. The other knives remained on the floor. “You can’t leave without having a drink with me.”
Valek stared at Ambrose in confusion. The Commander strode to the chairs by the fire and poured two drinks. Was this an attempt to delay Valek long enough for the security guards to arrive?
“I—”
“Relax, Valek. I’m not going to invade Sitia. You’re not going to be executed.” He sat in his favorite chair, waiting for Valek to join him.
This seemed too good to be true. “Is this because I spared your life?”
“No. Once I learned Sitia knew about the Harman sap, I figured that they would have already discovered a way to block the darts. An invasion would be a waste of time and resources right now. But if the Sitian Council loses control again, I will invade. They won’t get another chance, and I can assure you that the magicians will be a casualty. But for now, I’m betting that when you’re hired as Chief of Security for the Council, you will do a much better job of keeping the rogue magicians in check.”
Valek tucked his knives away as he sorted through the Commander’s comments. “Why did you let me believe you planned to invade?”
“Because I wanted to see what you would do.”
Shocked, Valek searched for a proper response. All he managed was, “I almost killed you.”
“But you didn’t. And now I can trust you again.”
Anger boiled up his throat. “Another test?”
“Partly. It was also for peace of mind. I know you won’t be coming after me in the future. I’m not getting any younger, and don’t wish to be constantly worrying about assassination.”
“I’m not the only assassin.”
“No. You’re the only assassin that can beat Onora, and now me. In my mind, you’re the only one who is a threat.”
Valek had used two very desperate moves to win both fights. Moves he would be unable to utilize again against either the Commander or Onora, because they would be ready for them. His upper arm throbbed, and a dozen or more stinging cuts seeped blood that soaked his sleeves. Plus his magic and immunity were gone.
Valek certainly didn’t feel like a threat.
Now that he didn’t need to rush off to warn Sitia of an impending attack, Valek walked over to the armchairs. The Commander’s comments had generated a number of unanswered questions. “Have you heard any news from Sitia? There’s no guarantee the Sitian Council and the others will defeat Bruns and his Cartel.”
The Commander gave him a flat look. “Who planned the attack?”
“I did.”
“Who did you leave in charge?”
“All right, I get it. There’s a pretty good chance of success if everything goes well.”
“I’ve received a report that the Sitian Council and Master Magicians have regained power and are rallying the troops to counter our invasion. I suspect they’ll have a number of soldiers disappointed over the lack of action.”
Valek gripped the back of the empty chair as relief threatened to turn his legs into mush. “Yelena?”
“She’s been spotted in the Citadel, aiding the Council.”
Unable to remain upright, Valek sank into the chair and rested his head in his hands for a moment.
“Onora was seen in her company. Please tell Onora to report back to Ixia immediately.”
Valek lifted his head. “Ari and Janco?”
“If they wish to return, they’ll be welcome. No charges will be filed against them or the agents who helped you escape a few days ago.”
Good to know. “And if Ari and Janco want to stay in Sitia?”
Smiling, Ambrose raised his glass. “Good luck.” He drank.
Valek laughed as six months of worry, tension and fear melted away. He grabbed his drink and took a long swig. The smooth white brandy slid down his throat, trailing fire. “The good stuff?”
“I thought the situation warranted it.”
“You were that confident I wouldn’t kill you?”
“Not at all. If this was going to be my last night, I didn’t want to drink inferior brandy.” He raised his glass again. “Here’s to your new life in Sitia.”
Va
lek clinked and took another swallow. He considered his future. Being with his family would be a highlight, but what else would he do? The vial of his blood might not return his magic. “I’m not sure that the Sitians trust me enough to put me in charge of security, or that I would even accept the position if they offered. My priorities have shifted.”
“They’d be fools not to.” The Commander sipped his drink. “Would they trust you more if you still had your magic?”
“Probably.” Valek leaned back in his chair as fatigue washed through him. If not for his injuries, this could have been any night during the past twenty-four years. He realized with a pang that he was going to miss this.
“I’m not sorry for injecting you with the Harman sap,” Ambrose said. “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve done you a favor.”
“I know. I’m well aware of your views on magic.” They shared a smile. It was an old argument.
“And you know I’ve been a hypocrite about it ever since I’ve learned my mother’s soul shares my body. Something that is only possible because of magic.”
Valek straightened. This was new.
“If Yelena’s powers return, and she doesn’t hate me, can you ask her to visit me? I’d like her to send my mother to the sky.”
“I’m sure Yelena would be happy to help you if she’s able.” Valek tapped a finger on his glass. “What if her powers don’t return? Would you be more accepting of magicians?”
“In that case, I will use the Harman sap on myself.”
It seemed drastic. “That might kill your mother.”
“She’s already dead.”
“No. That might destroy her soul, and she won’t find peace in the sky. She’ll cease to exist.”
