Free Warrior's Dawn (Fire and Tears) by Isabo Kelly

unsheathed and held at the ready. Slipping back into the second-story hallway, he rejoined Mina.
    With a finger to his lips, he edged into the room he’d been using, retrieved his bow and quiver, dropping them over his back, then took up his sword. He could kill four minions. Maybe even without alerting the approaching patrol. But that still wouldn’t give them enough time to get out of the area before the second patrol reached them.
    After collecting his weapons, he went into Mina’s room to check the direction from which the first group of minions had approached. If necessary, he could jump from the second floor without injury. He could carry Mina easily enough too. But when he studied the street below, he spotted the two minions left there to guard against just such an escape. By the time Althir hit the ground, set Mina down and pulled his sword, the minions would sound an alarm.
    Cursing silently, he hurried across the hall. The patrol from that direction was just beginning to enter the lower level of the tavern, through the kitchen. A creak on the stairs confirmed at least two minions had already started up to the second floor.
    The second patrol left a single guard, posted at the kitchen door, to watch the street while the rest disappeared inside. More footsteps sounded on the stairs. A quick glance around confirmed Mina was right. There were no rooftops within easy reach from here. Oh, he might be able to make the one just across the back alley from the tavern, even though it would require leaping up. But he’d have difficulty doing that with his weapons and Mina in tow without attracting attention. Alerting the patrols to their escape would defeat the purpose.
    More footsteps sounded on the stairs.
    They were out of time.
    Pulling Mina close, he set his lips to her ear. “We’re going to jump to the ground. There’s only one guard on this side. I’ll kill him as quietly as I can.” He felt her begin to pull back but he held her close. “I’ll hold you as we jump so you don’t get hurt, but you’ll have to release me the instant we’re on the street. Understand?”
    She nodded.
    He started to open the window, but a sound in the hall stopped him. Reacting instantly and on instinct, he turned to grab Mina and pull her under the bed. To his surprise, she was already disappearing beneath. He joined her faster than a human could move and they both held absolutely still as several booted feet entered the room.
    The minions searched without speaking, checking the single wardrobe, the small closet that served as a washroom and then the window. One even opened it and looked out. The second paused at the foot of the bed.
    Althir concentrated, calling up a magic he rarely used. He grabbed Mina’s arm and focused as he stared at the minion’s boots. A face appeared far enough back to avoid the swing of a weapon. The wash of that rotten-meat scent filled Althir’s nostrils, but he ignored it, continuing to concentrate, his fingers digging into Mina’s arm so she wouldn’t react. The minion scanned their hiding spot, his near-empty gaze skimming over them several times. Then he straightened.
    Holding his breath and his concentration, Althir waited until he heard them reenter the hallway. Then he let the spell drop. Exhaustion swamped him instantly, making his limbs as heavy as oak. He continued to keep a hold on Mina and forced himself to listen, to pay attention to their surroundings despite an almost overwhelming need to sleep.
    Several minions collected in the hallway, just outside their door. “No one,” one said. “They must have left already.”
    “She said they were still here. She’s been watching the building all day.”
    “Did you find anyone?”
    “Evidence someone was here.”
    “But no actual people.”
    “They snuck past her. She probably wasn’t watching as closely as she claims.”
    “Search the surrounding buildings. If the elf and spy are still in the area, we’ll find them.”
    The