Chapter 1
Gisela hated this place. The Beggar’s Claw. How stupid was that name? But then given the fact that it was deep in the heart of Vaskalia where trolls, giants and ogres typically lived, she was lucky it wasn’t called something worse.
After all, that group wasn’t exactly known for their creativity.
At least that was her thought until she passed a table of six large, tusked ogres who were drawing pictures on parchment.
“Needs more shading, Lars. But it’s much better than your last. You’re really improving.”
That unexpected comment actually stopped her. Not just the conversation about how to improve their drawings, but the fact that their artwork was quite impressive as she looked at it.
Very well, then. She’d rethink her ogre stereotype. Apparently, they were creative. And very talented.
What she couldn’t rethink was the fact that the ogres didn’t care for other races.
A proven fact when Lars looked up and raked her with a sneer. “What you staring at, human?”
Not a human. But since she appeared as such, she didn’t bother to correct him.
“Just admiring your art. Love the daisies. They’re very beautiful and well done.”
That caught him off-guard. He blinked his bulbous eyes twice, then smiled…maybe. With ogres it was hard to tell if they were smiling, sneezing or salivating.
She would go with pleased, especially since he didn’t come after her as she drifted back into the crowd.
That is nine kinds of trouble.
Being that he was all kinds of trouble himself, Xaydin Kazakh had recognized his own the moment she walked into the pub. Tall, slender and trying to remain inconspicuous…
They were like-minded creatures.
Granted he had no idea what she looked like, but she moved like water. Fluid and graceful. Every step was decisive. Her hooded, concealed head swept back and forth as she watched everyone around her while she continued to look for something or someone only she knew.
Damn.
He actually wanted to know her name, and that wasn’t like him at all. His hormones had never ruled his life. Not when he had the purpose in life that he did.
Rolling a coin between his fingers, he watched her carefully. She was far too small to be a native of this kingdom. Her stature was more akin to a human, elf or sidhe. Maybe Tenmarun.
Or a shifter.
He hated shifters almost as much as an ataswere. Some days that hatred might be equal.
As she came nearer, she stopped to converse with a troll.
Whatever she said infuriated him. The troll rose up with a fierce snarl.
Ignore her. Not your squirrel. A phrase gifted to him by his half-brother, Masakage, that meant Don’t chase the things that aren’t meant for you or that are none of your business. Tend your own yard and let others tend theirs.
Masakage’s code.
Sadly, it wasn’t his. He was paid for sticking his sword into the matters of others.
The troll shoved the woman back and rose with a club in his hand. By the look on the troll’s face, Xaydin could tell he planned on executing her with it.
Without hesitation, he was across the floor in time to catch the club with one hand.
The troll’s eyes widened with a mixture of fury and disbelief. “Mind your business.”
Xaydin glanced over his shoulder at the woman who had drawn a sword and was ready to defend herself. “Mind your manners.” He punched the troll who staggered back.
When the troll started forward, his friend caught him by the arm and kept the troll pinned to his side. “Don’t… Do you not see who it is?” he whispered in the troll’s ear.
His eyes widened even more as he realized Xaydin’s identity. That sucked every bit of fury from the beast who lowered his weapon and actually bowed. “Forgive me, lord. I didn’t mean it. Never would I have knowingly snapped at you.”
“I’m not the one you need to apologize to.” Xaydin released the club and stepped aside for the woman to be seen.
She was frozen in place with a stern frown as her gaze went from him to her assailant.
The troll turned to bow to the woman. “Forgive me, my lady. I meant no disrespect or harm.” Then he returned peacefully to his seat.
Gisela was stunned by the sight of the man in front of her who’d caused such a reversal in the one she was sure was about to kill her.
For one thing, her savior was huge in stature. She barely reached his shoulders, and she was exceptionally tall for a woman.
His wavy black hair fell to his shoulders and framed a face that must have been chiseled by the gods themselves.
Never in her life had she seen a more handsome man or features so perfectly made.
His black eyes matched the ornate black leather armor he wore.
Armor that said he was most likely highborn and richer than most nobles she’d met in Meara’s court.
“I didn’t need your help,” she whispered.
That dark, intelligent gaze went to her drawn sword. “I’m sure you could have defeated him. Eventually. But for a human to draw troll blood with a weapon in Vaskalia…victory would have ended your life even more painfully than if he’d killed you.”
Gisela gasped as she realized that she didn’t know their laws. So used to Thassalia where everyone brawled to the death for something as petty as stubbing a toe, she hadn’t even considered what would happen to her if she was attacked and fought back in Vaskalia. “I was defending myself.”
“Wouldn’t matter. You’re not a citizen here, and they don’t tolerate foreigners.”
Glancing about, she realized how right he was. Everyone was staring at her with bloodlust in their eyes.
Her death was imminent and all because she hadn’t bothered to learn a stupid law that made no sense.
The man before her leaned down and whispered quietly in her ear, “Follow me before the Watch comes and takes you into custody.”
Without a second thought, she did so and then cursed herself as soon as they were on the street. Gisela stopped immediately. “Are you leading me into a trap or do you have something nefarious in mind?”
Arching his brow, he turned around slowly to stare at her in total disbelief.
His expression would have been comical were it not for his lethal glare and demeanor.
“For what purpose? You obviously have little to no money. And if you think I’d rape you after saving you, then you have absolutely no ability to read others. ”
He was right. She’d never taken the time to learn that skill. In her line of work, it didn’t matter. Others fell into one of two categories: those to be ignored or those to be killed.
This stranger formed a third category that she wasn’t used to dealing with.
“All I know about others is that they can never be trusted.” No matter what category they fell into.
“They say one thing to your face and act in complete contradiction the moment you turn your back. The troll you saved me from was willing to split open my skull because I accidentally bumped his arm so lightly, he didn’t even spill his drink.
For that minor offense he was willing to spill blood.
No warning. Just a sick smile when he stood up to confront me. ”
Xaydin inwardly flinched as she gave voice to his own opinion and experience when it came to others. She was right about all that.
And they were strangers. He couldn’t fault her for being suspicious. Too many creatures were cowards who preyed on those who were weaker. He had enough scars on his body to prove that.
And while she might be a formidable warrior, given her actions and sword, she was still at a distinct disadvantage against an ogre, troll or giant.
“You’re right, my lady. But I’ve seen enough beings preyed upon by others. My only intent was to get you out in one piece. Which I’ve done.” He gave her a curt bow. “You’re welcome.” With that said, he turned to leave.
“Wait!”
Xaydin was surprised by her call. He turned back toward her slowly. “Yes?”
Gisela was as surprised by her actions as he was. She had no idea why she’d stopped him.
Other than one thing…
“Is there a safe place to stay tonight? An inn that will rent to one like me?”
He shook his head. “No…humans aren’t welcome in Vaskalia. I doubt you’d find any inn in town that would let you stay even for a night.”
Yet they knew him and feared him here. That much she’d gathered. Was he not human, too?
A sorcerer or shifter, perhaps?
No. Not with that armor and bearing. A mercenary more like. Some nobleman who’d fallen on hard times. That would make sense. They often drifted through the kingdoms, looking for work.
“Are you a sell-sword?” she asked.
“No.”
She expected him to say more, but that one blunt word was all he seemed capable of. Interesting.
If there was no inn, she’d find an alley to bed down in. “In that case, thank you for helping me.”
Xaydin cursed as she walked away, knowing what she intended to do for the night. While an alley in some streets would be fine, this wasn’t one of those towns. Derthal was a lethal place for those who didn’t know the customs and laws. The Watch would pick her up and probably kill her…
After they did unspeakable things to her first.
What’s it to you?
Life was cheap in every kingdom. Vaskalia was no different than anywhere else on that count. But…
“If you can stomach me for one night, I’ll share my room with you.”
The look she gave him would freeze dragon fire. “Beg pardon?”
“I’m not negotiating a bedmate, love. I’ve already turned down half a dozen good offers for the night. I’m offering you a safe place to sleep until morning. You can have the bed. I’ll take the floor…across the room and sleep in my clothes.”
“Why would you offer that?”