“This is Sylvi, one of myfamilia,” Master B said. The young woman was short and slim, her dark hair coiled around her head in intricate braids. She nodded at us in acknowledgement, her dark brown eyes wary.
“How did this happen?” I asked. “The last I saw of you, Master Tarek, was that day in the throne room, and the last I heard from you, Master B, you had just returned from your travels to the Western lands.”
“Ah! Many stories to share, but first, will you introduce us to your friends?”
“Elex you have already met,” I nodded at my prickly brother. “This is his Bonded, Helios Asimenios.”
“Asimenios? You’re Kyris’ son?” Master T asked. “You have his eyes.”
I studied Hel for a minute and nodded. He was right. Their eyes were very similar. I hadn’t realized how much he looked like his father until he mentioned it.
“Have you seen him recently?” Hel asked.
“I saw him a few weeks ago in one of the houses,” Master Bacillus said. “He was doing okay then. But we really need to get him and Stergiou out of Alexandria. I fear your father’s wrath every day.”
I felt more than heard my Bonded come up behind me. Rhuyin had been keeping an eye on the road to make sure we hadn’t been followed.
“And who is this young man?” Master Tarek asked with a raised eyebrow.
“My name is Rhuyin Katastrofis,” Rhu answered. “Luke’s Bonded.”
I didn’t think Master Tarek’s smile could have gotten wider, but I was wrong.
“Congratulations, my boys!” he said, wrapping us both in a hug. I felt Rhu stiffen, then slowly relax into the warm embrace. I sank into the embrace of the man who had been more of a father to me than my own had.
When he finally released us we gathered together to talk.
“How did you two get involved with the Illyrian network?” I asked.
“Well…” Master Tarek began.
“We may have been the ones whostartedthis little network,” Master Bacillus interrupted.
“Really?” Hel asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
“After what that bastard did to Tarek, did youreallythink I would stand by and donothing?” Master B spat out, the venom in his voice apparent. “Cyrius tortured him and would have killed him. What use is all the money in the world if it can’t save the man you love?”
Master Tarek placed a hand over Master B’s and squeezed it reassuringly.
“I survived, my heart, thanks to this one,” he said, nodding at me. “Together, wewillfree Alexandria from the King’s rule.”
“So let me get this straight,” Elex said. “You and your family of courtesansarethe Illyrian network?”
They nodded.
“People share their secrets in the throes of passion. They ignore courtesans and treat them like furniture. Many a plan has been foiled because one of my pretty boys or girls were there to hear it,” Master B said.
A slow grin spread over Elex’s face. “Sneaky. I like it.”
“So how are we going to rescue Hel’s father?” Rhu asked, automatically signing as he spoke.
Master B’s eyes grew wide.
“You know the Scribe’s tongue?” he asked.
Rhu shrugged.
“We call it sign language in Illyria,” he said.
