‘Tempus, now. It keeps me in perspective. I am building a temple for Him.’ He
pointed to Vashanka’s Weaponshop, across the street. His finger shook. He hoped
she had not seen. ‘You must not ply your trade here. I have employment as a Hell
Hound. Appearances must be preserved. Do not pit us against one another. It
would be too sour a memory.’
‘For whomever survived? Can it be you love me still?’ Her eyes were full of
wonder.
‘No,’ he said, but cleared his throat. ‘Stay out of there. I know His service
well. I would not recommend it. I will get you back what you have lost. Meet me
at the Lily Garden tonight at midnight, and you will have them. I promise. Just
take down no sorcerers between now and then. If you do, I will not return them,
and you cannot get others.’
‘Bitter, are you not? If I do what you are too weak to do, what harm is there in
that?’ Her right eyebrow raised. It hurt him to watch her.
‘We are the harm. And we are the harmed, as well. I am afraid that you may have
to break your fast, so be prepared. I will reason with myself, but I promise
nothing.’
She sighed. ‘I was wrong. You have not changed one bit.’
‘Let go of my horse.’
She did.
He wanted to tell her to let go of his heart, but he was struck mute. He wheeled
his mount and clattered down the street. He had no intention of leaving. He just
waited in a nearby alley until she was gone.
Then he hailed a passing soldier, and sent a message to the palace.
When the sun danced above the Vulgar Unicorn’s improbably engaged weather vane,
support troops arrived, and Kadakithis’s new warlock. Aspect, was with them.