Would the disasters never end? It had all started with that damned Rallick Nom cult, and then, almost before the dust settled on that, their first big contract ran up against the most belligerent, vicious collection of innkeepers imaginable. And the one that followed?
He suspected he was the only survivor. He’d left his crossbowmen to cover his retreat and not one of them had caught up with him; and now, with gas storage caverns igniting one after another, well, he found himself in an abandoned warren of tunnels, rushing through raining dust, coughing, eyes stinging.
All ruined. Wrecked. He’d annihilated the entire damned Guild.
He would have to start over.
All at once, the notion excited him. Yes, he could shape it himself — nothing to inherit. A new structure. A new philosophy, even.
Such. . possibilities.
He staggered into his office, right up to the desk, which he leaned on with both hands on its pitted surface. And then frowned at the scattering of scrolls, and saw documents strewn everywhere on the floor — what in Hood’s name?
‘Master Krafar, is it?’
The voice spun him round.
A woman stood with her back resting against the wall beside the doorway. A cocked crossbow was propped beside her left boot, quarrel head resting on the packed earthen floor. Her arms were crossed.
Seba Krafar scowled. ‘Who in Hound’s name are you?’
‘You don’t know me? Careless. My name is Blend. I’m one of the owners of K’rul’s.’
‘That contract’s cancelled — we’re done with you. No more-’
‘I don’t care. It’s simple — I want the name. The one who brought you the con shy;tract. Now, you can give it to me without any fuss, and I will walk out of here and that’s the last you’ll see of me, and all your worries will be at an end. The Guild removed from the equation. Consider it a gift, but now it’s time for you to earn it.’
He studied her, gauging his chances. She didn’t look like much. There was no way she’d reach that crossbow in time — two quick strides and he’d be right in her face. With two knives in her gut. And then he’d send a note to Humble Measure and claim one more down — leaving what, two or three left? He’d get paid well for that, and Hood knew he needed the coin if he was going to start over.
And so he attacked.
