Pretending everything was fine, I followed the man, eyes tracing over his back in a desperate bid to find any clues as to his identity. He did not wear the insignia of the Guild.
We stopped beside a less-traveled channel that flowed beneath bridges connecting the streets. A gondola approached, empty save for its driver, who slowed the boat until it rested before us.
Beckoning to the empty seats, the masked man looked at me expectantly.
Normally, I’d seek escape. Boarding a vessel like this would guarantee an unfortunate end. Noticing my hesitance, the masked man calmly glanced up the road toward the library, silently reiterating his threat.
I couldn’t know who he worked with, how many of them hid in the shadows. Assassins could be perched all around the city, waiting to strike. Swallowing my fear, I stepped into the gondola and accepted my fate.
11
Chapter 11
Meeting death at the hands of a handsome nobleman couldn’t be the worst way to go. Lowering myself into the gondola’s seat, I scanned the crowd desperately, hoping to spot one of my lunatic companions—ideally one of the two who could fight.
The nobleman sat opposite me and motioned for the boatman to take us away. With a sweep of his paddle, the boat departed the walkway and drifted toward the center of the channel. I stared longingly at the library as we sailed away from it.
The nobleman brushed a lock of red hair behind his ear. “Forgive the rude introduction. You’re a clever sort. I doubted I could get you alone with anything less than threats.”
I studied him intently, deciding kindness was more likely to see me through this encounter alive. “You thought correctly,” I confirmed. “I don’t typically trust strangers, especially not those high above my station.”
“Yet you trusted one before. In this very city.”
My mouth warbled. Did he mean Ainwir?
Folding his hands, the nobleman crossed one leg over the other. “I hear you’ve had a change in profession recently.”
“How would you know what my profession was?” I asked guardedly.
“Because they say you’re quite good at it. Laverna recommends you to many of her clients.” He tilted his head. “But this? This requires a warrior, and my dear, I don’t get the impression you are one.”
“Armies need more than soldiers,” I chirped, eyes flicking around.
Our boat rowed beneath a wide bridge, dust drifting over our heads as boots and hooves tracked across it. Where were we headed? I couldn’t tell yet.
“Why is it your concern, anyhow?” I asked. “Most would be thrilled to learn of our goal.”
“No, they would not.” He corrected harshly. “They would behorrified. They would do everything in their power to stop you. Do you know why?”
I licked my lips. “They wouldn’t-”
“You have too much faith in man.” He interrupted. “Your mission implies an end. It makes them consider what they’ve never given heed to. They come face-to-face with the inevitable. And what an end, it would be.” He leaned forward, voice dropping to a whisper. “Snuffed out. And for what? Fornothing.”
I knew he was right. The Archon had hidden us from the clergy for a reason. Seeking a solution implied no goddess would be coming. No salvation. Nohope.
Voice gentling, the masked man sat back. “Tell me. How much do you know about Seraphim?”
“Enough,” I answered. “But I won’t tell you anything, if that’s what you’re after.”
He tutted. “Already, you show such loyalty to her. Haven’t you learned your lesson about trusting people?”
I swallowed, straining to hide my expression. Hedidknow Ainwir.
“Did Seraphim tell you the story of her exile, at least?”
“No.” I spat. “People don’t owe me their stories any more than I owe them mine.”
“Oh, but I think you deserve this.” He smiled wryly, and I found myself wondering what he looked like beneath the mask. “The good lord of Cynthus sired three children: twin daughters and a son. Though they wore the same face, the girls couldn’t be more different. One became Seraphim, the other Themis.”
