Free Abuud: the One-Eyed God by Richard S. Tuttle Page B

in this city for long. I fear the Contest of Power is about to go through one of its bloodier phases. Choosing two Sordoans who are new to the city may well aid our longevity. Count me in."
    "And me," added Duke Zalski. "At least we will be able to eliminate a couple of councilors from the suspect list when the next assassination takes place."
    "And what about Niki Forloe?" questioned Duke Tredor. "She cannot be allowed to get away with her deception."
    "She does not even have bodyguards," commented Duke Zalski. "I suspect that she does not have long to live."
    ***
    "Tell me that we are not staying at the Empty Keg again," Tanya pleaded as the ship docked in Tagaret.
    "No," laughed Alex as the gangplank was put in place. "We will be leaving by land this time. Tanya, you will join Jenneva and I at the Golden Sword. The boys can get a room at the Falcon's Hood. Don't forget to check the Pawn Shop for messages. I am not sure when we will be leaving the city."
    "I have to go check on my army," chirped Prince Midge as he launched himself off of Arik's shoulder. "I will rejoin the Bringer at the Falcon's Hood."
    "What does the Sword of Heavens say?" Jenneva asked Arik.
    "Almost due west," Arik answered. "About as far as the fairy village was from the pass in the West Mountains."
    "That places the diamond near Klandon," suggested Alex as he adjusted his wig to cover the rear of his neck where his long braid was tucked under his cloak. "Let's move out and get off the streets."
    The Alcea Rangers split up and made for their respective inns. Alex left the Golden Sword as soon as he got the room for Jenneva and himself. He moved swiftly through the streets of the city until he entered the Sword and Shield Inn. He followed his secret procedure for getting a room overlooking the street and sat on the floor to wait for Larc.
    "You are becoming a frequent visitor," greeted Larc as he slipped through the door and sat on the floor near the window.
    "I go where the Sword of Heavens directs me," smiled Alex. "Tell me the state of affairs in Tagaret."
    "Mercenary guards are a big seller today," informed Larc. "One of the councilors was assassinated last night. Another councilor was arrested for the assassination. We have managed to get quite a few Rangers into the city as mercenaries."
    "Are we going to manage to get our people on the Council?" Alex inquired.
    "We don't really know," admitted Larc. "It seems unlikely, but nothing is ever certain with the Council. There are hundreds of nobles making the rounds today to try to influence the councilors. It would have been better if we had had more time before this happened."
    ***
    Prince Midge darted in the window of the Falcon's Hood and settled on Arik's shoulder. "There is great trouble, Bringer," he reported. "We have to move now. Get your weapons."
    "What is the problem, Midge?" Arik asked as he grabbed his sword.
    "Niki is to be assassinated today," Midge said nervously. "I do not know how much time we have."
    "We can't just run off and rescue her," protested Tedi. "If they mean to kill her then we have to get her out of the mansion. Just disrupting one threat will not save her."
    "More likely, we must get her out of the city," frowned Arik. "They will be looking for her if the first attempt doesn't work. I wonder if she will even see us? Get all of our gear packed and see if you can buy a horse for her. I will go with Midge now and he will come back to tell you where we are."
    "What about the rest of the Rangers?" quizzed Tedi as he grabbed their belongings.
    "It would not be safe for Alex and Jenneva to be seen," frowned Arik. "This is something we will have to do ourselves. Prince Midge can tell them later where we are."
    "Alright," agreed Tedi. "I will hang around the stables waiting for Prince Midge."
    "Let's go, Midge," prompted Arik as he headed out the door. "Lead the way."
    Arik mounted Chaco and Prince Midge perched on his collar as they navigated the streets of Tagaret. When they