Page 35 of The Sundered Blade

“And just who do you claim as yourcousin?” the man demanded. “Hanselm already has its fill of beggars, and no need for more.”

“Lord Kellan,” she answered promptly. “His mother was the second wife of the Duke of Pergisham, and our mother is the present Duchess’s second cousin by marriage. The two of them stayed together briefly during a house party at the Duchess’s aunt’s summer residence near Corview on the southern coast.”

Karreya watched as the poor man attempted to work out their actual relationship, which was, of course, none at all. Kellan was one of Niell’s friends and allies, a younger son of the nobility who used his apparent uselessness to disguise his rebellious activities. Though many of the other details were actually correct. Niell had provided them with an impressively thorough cover story.

“Four days.” The man wearing a captain’s insignia seemed to come to a decision, though his scowl made it clear that he had not necessarily bought their story. “You’ll have a pass that will allow you entry to the city for four days, and then you’d best be employed or be out on your ear.”

He glanced at the three of them. “And how many will the pass be for?”

“Only two of us,” Leisa said coolly. “Sen will be returning to look after the farm, just as soon as she delivers us safely to Hanselm.”

“Very well.” The man murmured orders to one of his fellow soldiers, who reached into the pouch at his belt for a piece of official-looking paper. “But your woman will only be allowed to accompany you as far as the gates. She may not go beyond it without a pass of her own.”

“Understood.” Leisa dipped her chin in a polite nod.

The captain made a few quick marks on the paper before handing it to Leisa—simple lines beneath words “Gate Pass” that indicated it permitted entry for two people.

Karreya saw Leisa’s finger tighten on the paper and wondered if she was perhaps feeling conflicted about the coming separation.

They would be going on their way, embarking on the most dangerous part of their mission, and Senaya would not come with them. Was it strange, or perhaps even painful, for Leisa to know that her mother had chosen to leave her once more?

“The insignia on your pass indicates how many days you will be allowed to remain, and it will be stamped upon your entry into the city. Should you extend your stay unlawfully without attaining a position in the duke’s household, you will be detained and fined. Is this clear?”

Leisa nodded once more. “Thank you, Captain. We understand. And I’m certain my cousin will wish to aid us.”

The captain grumbled under his breath—something about “country wenches” and “freeloaders”—but stood aside as the barrier was moved back to allow them to ride through.

“How far to the gates?” Leisa asked over her shoulder.

“A day’s journey,” one of the guards called back. “But if you camp along the way, beware of thieves.”

“Oh, lovely,” Leisa muttered. “They waylay us on the road, but can’t be bothered to stop thieves from harassing travelers?”

“The strong must survive of their own will and abilities,” Senaya said flatly. “That is the first tenet of our family’s house.”

“But it is not how this kingdom was run up until recently,” Leisa argued. “I was here, not quite a year ago, and none of this would have been allowed. It was prosperous and peaceful.”

“On the surface, perhaps. But I assure you, the foundations for this have been in place for far longer than anyone realizes.”

“This seems to be a change from what you have told me of my father,” Karreya mused aloud. “The man you described did not seem like one who would take a long-term view, or understand that victory requires preparation.”

“He has clearly learned the value of patience,” Senaya returned with a shrug. “Or we would not be here now.”

He had been waiting for over a decade, and had finally seen his opportunity to strike. But why now? What had he seen that induced him to act? From the outside, it would seem that his world was falling apart. Both of his sons, lost. A marital alliance, unraveled. Did he see his patient plans crumbling beneath his feet and decide to make his move before it was too late?

Perhaps this was a sign of his need for haste. His impatience to win. And if so, it might indeed be possible for Karreya to use his already hasty actions against him.

What would he feel when he saw her face? Anything at all? And should it trouble her that all their plans hinged on him feeling panic when he realized who she was?

Niell would know the answer. Or at least help her feel less like a fish learning how to walk.

But he was not here, and despite the ache in her chest, Karreya was thankful for it. This city held far more pain for Niell than for her, and unlike her, he might find himself unable to walk out again once he entered it.

So if she was to protect him, she must learn. Adapt. Steel her heart against whatever confrontation was coming, because this moment was unlike any other she had experienced.

Her training was simple. Find the target, eliminate it, escape undetected. But this time, she intended to be noticed. And she could not kill her target—in fact, she very much needed to keep him alive.

Even if Niell was right. Even if her own father learned of her identity and attempted to kill her to protect his secrets.

---