While she might talk like a Sandseed, she resembled a Moon clan member. Blond hair so light, it could be mistaken for white matched her large silver-colored eyes. Her pale skin could easily blend in in Ixia. Fear lurked in her gaze, and he wondered what Yelena had said to her. Probably threatened to send her soul to the fire world. As far as threats went, Yelena couldn’t be outdone.

People might risk pain and even death for a cause, but spending eternity in the fire world was just too big a price to pay.

The magician remained quiet, but Valek couldn’t contain his curiosity.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

She wouldn’t answer.

“How did you get involved with Owen?” he tried.

Again she kept silent, but her gaze flicked to her hands. They were clasped together in her lap.

She wore a bright ruby ring on her right middle finger and a heart-shaped diamond ring on the pinkie of her left.

“Are you and Owen Moon married or just heart mates?” he asked.

A slight movement in her shoulders revealed her surprise, but otherwise her expression stayed neutral. Impressive.

“You are married. Sitians are more apt to make their unions official, and they like to have an excuse to have a party.” He tapped a finger on his lips. “You’re a few years younger than him, but since you’re both magicians, you probably met him while attending the Magician’s Keep.”

Her body language once again betrayed her. Valek was three for three.

Footsteps shuffled and he turned his attention to the noise. Leif backed into view. He held his hands out.

“I told you they were professionals,” Leif said. Moving backward, he was followed by three men who aimed their swords at Leif’s chest.

Valek groaned inward. More problems and delays.

“Move back,” the man on the left ordered Valek. “Or I’ll skewer your friend.”

Valek considered the threat. “Do you plan to wound, maim or kill him?” he asked the guard.

“Threats should be specific in order to have the maximum impact.”

The man just stared at him.

“Skewer is just too vague. I think if you say, ’Stand back or I’ll stab him in the stomach,’ then I have an idea about how serious you are. After all, Leif’s stomach is his favorite body part so that’s a decent threat.”

“Don’t give him any ideas,” Leif said in a low growl.

“Move,” the guard said.

“All right, I’m moving.” As Valek backed away he cupped his left elbow with his right hand.

When they opened the door, he said to Leif, “I should have let them skewer you.” He huffed. “It was a simple task. Did you surrender right away or did you at least find my clothes?”

“At least I managed to escape.” Leif shot back. He paused in the threshold of the cell. “Some legend you are. You let these guys get the drop on you.” He hooked a thumb at the guards.

“At least I didn’t walk blindly into a trap.” Valek stepped closer to Leif. “You let them kidnap you.” He snorted in derision. “You know why they call it kidnapping?” He moved until he was almost nose to nose with Leif. “Because only kids are stupid enough to get caught.”

Leif yelled and swung a wild fist at Valek. He duck and dove at the guard on Leif’s right, tackling him at the knees. Leif’s punch landed on the jaw of the man on his left. What looked like chaos erupted for a few moments, but Valek had already planned out every single move in his head, starting with the mock fight with Leif.

The three key components to a successful attack were surprise, speed, and intensity. Within a minute, Valek and Leif had unarmed the three guards and locked them in the cell.

“Are there any more above?” Valek asked Leif.

“I hope not. I’m hungry.”

Part 8

Valek and Leif crept up the prison’s stairs. So far, they had managed to capture eight of Owen’s men and Owen’s wife, who was a magician. Both were armed with the guard’s weapons, but Valek wasn’t taking any chances. An operation like this could easily employ a few more mercenaries. Plus Leif had said they were professionals.

He paused at the top, listening for any sounds. Behind him, Leif’s stomach growled.

“Sorry,” Leif whispered.

An ordinary house sat above the prison. Heavy curtains covered the windows in the front and back. Solid side walls meant the residence was part of a row or block of similar houses. Probably indistinguishable from its neighbors. Nothing like hiding in plain sight. Valek approved. It was how he picked his safe houses.