FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

MARDICHI

“When will ye cu’ the man a break?” Mardichi lifted a red brow at her.

“Cut him a break? I can’t stand him!” She shook her fists Heavenward.

It was about an hour after closing. Mardichi had assisted chasing the other assassins out of the Haven. And hung about to visit while she cleaned up.

Dimurah didn’t mind the company. The RedBayne was one of the few trustworthy assassins in the Guild. One Savage Jack had pointed out to her many years ago.

“He kills for no reason other than his own humor.”

“Is that what ye think ’e did?” Mardichi was astonished she didn’t know more about her lover.

“Of course, ’tis!”

“Ye’re adorably naïve.” The redheaded giant chuckled in a way that made his chest shake in humor.

“I’m far from naïve, RedBayne!” She sent him a chiding look. “I’m the Barter Queen of the Blue Lark.”

He sobered. “And who do ye think keeps ye there?”

“I don’t know what you’re implying.”

“Ye know full well, what I’m saying. Have ye any idea what tha’ vile creature was sitting at the counter thinkin’?”

“I’m no mind reader.”

Well, fortunately for you someone must be. Because he heard what that creature wanted to do to you.

“Well, ‘twas apparent tha’ creature ’ad plans for ye…Unpleasant un’s.”

“For me?”

“Yea, Barter Queen.” He shook his head. “No’ ever’ man in this guild is honorable.”

“Well they know better than to disrespect me.”

“And why do ye suppose tha’ ’tis?”

“I stand on my own two feet, RedBayne. I dearly hope you aren’t implying I need a man to take care of me in this place.”

“Ye’re clever, vicious, spirited and very good at performing yer role in the Blue Lark. But everythin’ ye ‘ave,” RedBayne leaned over her, nearly nose-to-nose with her to convey the importance of what he said. “everythin’ ye are, is due him.”

“Due to him?” She squawked.

“RedBayne!” Savage’s voice cut across the Haven. “She’s tired.”

Mardichi turned away from her. Seeing the look on Savage’s face it was easy to determine. I was too close to her.

Infringing on his territory.

Unwise. Mardichi recognized.

“I was leavin’.” He rounded the counter and headed for the door under Savage Jack’s careful eye. “Dimurah.” He paused to cast over a muscled shoulder. “I’d a lass I looked at, like ye look at ’im, if I’d a chance to look at ‘er like tha’ now…I’d ne’er stop. Ne’er let ’er go again…”

“RedBayne.” Savage’s voice silenced him. “I don’t need your help.”

“I know tha’.” Mardichi said. “But there’s some she shoul’ know.”

“There’s things no one need know.”

What does he mean? It was impossible to tell when there was no inflection at all in the man’s toneless words. Mardichi was unsure if it was a threat, a warning or a plea.

Either way. He’s asking me not to tell her.

It's fine I've better things to do. Like get drunk and be miserable...