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"You could use some practice in knife throwing," I said, guessing the closer one had been the thrower.
She sniffed. "I almost got him."
"You're fortunate you missed," I said. "The city watch would not have taken it well if you hadn't."
"You were chasing my mother. I was defending her." The young woman had no hint of apology in her voice. I appreciated that, even though throwing knives at strangers in the dark usually did more harm than good to everyone concerned.
"We didn't mean to scare you," I said evenly. "We'll let you go about your business." I went to turn away, but the woman spoke before I could.
"My name is Latika. You're welcome to spend the night in my house. I have two spare rooms you can use. Two of you will have to share."
"We wouldn't want to impose," I said slowly.
"It's no imposition. It's the least we could do after Aisha almost killed one of you."
Aisha hadn't even come close, but I didn't bother to correct her.
"We would appreciate that, thank you. The taverns seem pretty full this evening."
"Yeah, they have been lately. There's been strange things going on in the countryside around the Cape. Folks have wandered into town on business and then stayed longer than they need to. Some are muttering about war. Others are talking of strange creatures coming out of the mountains to feed on paranormal flesh."
She shuddered again and I felt her fear like a cold glove on my chest.
"Perhaps we should get out of the dark," Wesley suggested.
"Yes. Please lead the way, Latika." I kept half an eye on her and her daughters and the rest of my senses on the street around and ahead of us.
If Kerina sensed any deceit on their part, she would have said so, but that didn't mean there weren't other folk around who meant us trouble. Or meant Latika trouble.
We reached a small cottage without seeing another person, and Latika opened the door into a warm space lit by low lights and candles.
Kerina and I exchanged a glance. I almost saw her thinking and suppressed a smile. We would be safe from sprites, at least for tonight. Pale ones—we'd deal with them if they became a problem.
In the light, I now saw Latika was in her late forties. Aisha and her sister were no more than twelve or fourteen. Young to be throwing knives to defend their mother.
"I know what you are," Kerina said suddenly. "I should have seen it."
I gave her a sharp look. She looked furious, but when I delved I saw it was with herself.
"Kerina" I asked.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Latika and both daughters with their hands at their hips. They watched not my face but my shoulders.
"What are you?" I asked carefully.
"They're assassins, like I used to be," Kerina said.
Wesley gasped. "Assassins?"
"Well, not just assassins," Kerina replied. "They're trained from birth to kill. They're highly skilled and kill without mercy."
"I take what jobs I am paid for," Latika stated. "Aisha and Erin aren't old enough, or trained enough yet."
Aisha scowled, but said nothing. Of course, she would have been taught to obey before she learnt to walk.
"That knife," I said slowly, "you meant to miss."
"Certainly," Aisha replied. "If I wanted to kill you, and was allowed to, you would be dead now. All three of you." She seemed very certain.
