A curse slipped from my lips. I was no match for a chapter master with a knife… but Boyan’s reputation wasn’t just built on sheer cunning.
Tymon cursed, his attack disrupted by my interference. With surprising agility, the Grand Master was already on his feet, hand knocking aside the knife before I could reload my weapon.
It wasn’t much of a fight. My father moved so fast I couldn’t believe he was at death’s door. After deflecting the attack, Tymon’s head snapped back. I didn’t even see Boyan move. I did, however, see the blood spray out of the mule’s nose, and my father continued, punch after punch, the blows raining down on his younger opponent. Moments later, Tymon’s dagger was wrestled free and used to slice through the Mule’s flesh. Another punch, a twist, and the blade sank through Tymon’s wrist into the floor, pinning him in place.
‘Roksana,’ Boyan commanded. His voice was so weak I knew he was holding on by a thread. I dropped to my knees, pressing a small vial to Tymon’s lips.
He coughed and spluttered, but I forced the vial between his teeth. I held it there until his eyes turned glassy and unfocused.
Only when Tymon’s body relaxed did Boyan release his grip and fall to the side. His body shook as a violent bout of coughing ripped through him. I ignored the dark liquid soaking into my dress as I knelt. My attention was entirely on Boyan’s laboured, rattling breath.
‘You should have let me handle him,’ I gently scolded my father, helping him back to his chair before pouring some mead.
‘I didn’t survive this long letting others fight my battles. If I can’t win, I’d rather die,’ Boyan said, but allowed me to help, as I pretended not to see how defeated he looked.
‘You’re a stubborn old bastard!’ My annoyed huff earned me a tremulous chuckle. When his hand pressed against my cheek, I used the connection to bolster his failing energy.
‘I’m glad you took after me in some things,’ my father said once my intervention helped control his latest coughing fit. ‘That’s enough healing. Call for the Blades, Sana. Then tell my servants to invite everyone within these walls to a general assembly.’
I frowned, watching him struggle towards Tymon, who lay incapacitated on the floor, conscious but unable to move since my poison had paralysed his muscles.
‘Why an assembly?’ I asked after pulling the bell.
‘Because he went too far. I will be making an example of him. I’m stripping this bastard of his mark. There will be no challenge, no honourable stepping down. He’ll die as he lived: a greedy swine.’
Tymon’s pupils widened, the muscles of his neck straining as he tried to move, desperation in his eyes. My eyebrow rose when his fingers twitched, fighting the effect of the poison.
‘Spare him. I need him more than we need examples,’ I said, observing his efforts. Hope flashed in Tymon’s eyes, but was promptly snuffed out when Boyan shook his head.
‘He will sell you out at the first opportunity. And you’re wrong about examples. One messy death will prevent many others. Don’t interfere when I’m trying to protect you, daughter.’ His determination was intimidating, but it didn’t sit well with me.
‘I don’t need protecting, and I object as your daughter and your shadow. If I still am one. He knows too much to just die. We need answers,’ I tried again, but it earned me a humourless chuckle.
‘You will have your answers, daughter. The dead can’t lie to a necromancer, and there are loyal Mules who can take you to Tivalaran. As soon as I’m finished, take him to the Death Masters and ask your questions there.’
‘Nooo…’ The sound escaping Tymon’s was filled with soul-deep terror. His sturdy body, fuelled by fear and rage, was fighting off my poison much faster than I expected. In a way, I felt sorry for the Master of Mules and even for my father, who’d involuntarily played into my hand.
Now I only needed to keep Tymon alive.
‘At least let me talk to him first, alone.’ My eyes narrowed when I challenged my father, ‘Or is this also too much to ask?’
Boyan sighed, but when four guards walked in, he pointed to Tymon, still on the floor.
‘Take him to the interrogation chamber and chain him. Roksana will be there shortly. She has permission to carry out whatever actions she deems fit with this scum.’
The assassins paused, but no one dared object, and soon Tymon was carried out, thrown over the shoulder of the largest. I waited until the door closed before turning to Boyan.
‘I’ll find a way to force him to work with me. If I do, you’ll set him free,’ I said shortly, preparing myself for his scolding. Instead, Boyan’s hand landed on my shoulder.
‘You can try, but I’m not going to make it easy for you,’ he sighed, shaking his head, eyes clouded by regret. ‘You have two hours before the assembly, then Tymon will die… by your hand.’
Chapter 20
Roksana
The sound of my steps echoed around me as I rushed down the stone stairs to the interrogation chamber. Two hours. I had two hours before Tymon died, and I lost access to the chapter master’s knowledge. My lungs burned as I took the steps two at a time, which left me cursing when I finally reached the basement and had to waste time catching my breath.
‘Get yourself together. He has to see you as his saviour, not a desperate mark,’ I muttered, straightening my caftan.
