Dawn Study

Unable to match the superfast speed, Valek scrambled to block but remained a hair too slow. The edges of Ambrose’s blades sliced the skin on Valek’s arms. Pain burned, but he ignored it. Valek had a much bigger problem. He was running out of room to maneuver. If that happened, Valek would leave a smear of blood on the wall as he sank to his death.

Deflecting the Commander’s double thrust up instead of to the side, he kicked the Commander in the stomach. The solid impact pushed Ambrose back a few steps, giving Valek a little more room.

Valek sidestepped and dropped to one knee, thrusting his knife toward the Commander’s thigh, aiming for the femoral artery. Ambrose dodged the attack and once again Valek was on the defensive. As the fight lengthened, Valek’s energy ebbed. He sucked in air and his throat burned with the effort.

Valek rallied and tried a number of offensive techniques. Familiar with each of them, the Commander countered with ease. The man wasn’t even sweating.

After a few more exchanges, Valek sensed he was about to reach the limit of his skills. The certainty of failure brought desperation, which reminded Valek of his rooftop fight with Onora. It was clear there was no way he’d beat the Commander. Not with his knives. And not using conventional fighting tactics.

Bracing for pain, Valek blocked a double jab to his midsection, then dropped his weapons. He grabbed the Commander’s wrists and found the pressure points. The tip of a blade pierced Valek’s left bicep, but he clamped down hard, pressing his fingers and thumbs on the points.

Ambrose yelled as the all-consuming pain traveled up his arms. Using a pressure point created a unique sensation that dominated the entire body and scattered all thought and reason in the victim. Devlen had taught them to Valek a year ago. In any other fight, Valek would never have resorted to using them, because in any other fight, Valek wouldn’t need them to save his own life and ensure his family’s safety.

The Commander’s weapons clattered to the floor. Valek kept his hold until the Commander sank to his knees. Then Valek released one wrist. He picked up the closest knife and rested the sharp edge on the Commander’s neck. Valek let go of the man’s other wrist. The fog of pain cleared from Ambrose’s golden gaze. He stared at Valek, waiting for death. No fear shone in his eyes. No requests for mercy. No promise to stop the invasion of Sitia in exchange for his life. Not his style.

Valek tensed, preparing to end the Commander’s life. But he was unable to execute that final move. Valek couldn’t kill him. If he slit the Commander’s throat, Valek would regret it. They’d shared too much history, friendship and even love. Ambrose was a part of Valek’s family. Owen had ruined everything between them, but Valek wouldn’t let the dead magician force his hand.

“Finish it, Valek,” Ambrose said. “If you let me live, I’m going to invade Sitia.”

And Valek would have to live with the consequences. War and death and no hope for a peaceful life. Or was there hope? Valek’s comments to Leif about trust came to mind. Perhaps he should trust the Sitians. They’d certainly proven their resourcefulness in the past. Valek released the Commander. “You can try. Sitia will surprise you.”

“Then why the assassination attempt?”

“Because I forgot.”

“You forgot what?”

“That I’m a Sitian now, and we don’t solve our problems by assassination.” Valek found his knives and sheathed them. “I’m retiring as Chief of Security. Effective immediately.” Valek headed for the door. He only had a few days to warn Sitia.

“I can’t let you leave,” Ambrose said.

Valek spun with weapons in hand.

The Commander stood and smoothed his uniform. The other knives remained on the floor. “You can’t leave without having a drink with me.”

Valek stared at Ambrose in confusion. The Commander strode to the chairs by the fire and poured two drinks. Was this an attempt to delay Valek long enough for the security guards to arrive?

“I—”

“Relax, Valek. I’m not going to invade Sitia. You’re not going to be executed.” He sat in his favorite chair, waiting for Valek to join him.

This seemed too good to be true. “Is this because I spared your life?”

“No. Once I learned Sitia knew about the Harman sap, I figured that they would have already discovered a way to block the darts. An invasion would be a waste of time and resources right now. But if the Sitian Council loses control again, I will invade. They won’t get another chance, and I can assure you that the magicians will be a casualty. But for now, I’m betting that when you’re hired as Chief of Security for the Council, you will do a much better job of keeping the rogue magicians in check.”

Valek tucked his knives away as he sorted through the Commander’s comments. “Why did you let me believe you planned to invade?”

“Because I wanted to see what you would do.”

Shocked, Valek searched for a proper response. All he managed was, “I almost killed you.”

“But you didn’t. And now I can trust you again.”

Anger boiled up his throat. “Another test?”

“Partly. It was also for peace of mind. I know you won’t be coming after me in the future. I’m not getting any younger, and don’t wish to be constantly worrying about assassination.”

“I’m not the only assassin.”

“No. You’re the only assassin that can beat Onora, and now me. In my mind, you’re the only one who is a threat.”