Page 31 of Zel
“I remember your parents, Zel, and you have never denied being part of their same Thieves Guild. Did you think I expected you would come to my door without their same skillsets or ability to defend yourself?”
“I suppose not.”
“You hadn't noticed the dagger was missing. Which tells me you had no intention of using it unprovoked. It is immune now from the magical sweep. You can keep it wherever you wish.”
But Zelhadplanned to use it unprovoked. Hedid, just not yet.
Not yet.
Not until he knew how to divest the sorcerer of his immortality and kill him.
Kill Ulrich.
“Thank you, my lord,” Zel said. “I hope we can spar again someday.”
He had no choice.
He had no choice.
Even as Ulrich’s smile made Zel’s knees feel weak. “As do I, little cabbage.”
ULRICH
Zel was a talented member of the Thieves Guild, there was no doubt about that. A talentedassassinsent to ensure Ulrich’s demise.
Ulrich had pushed things by saying he might have re-sheathed Zel's dagger. But Ulrich’s beautifullittle cabbagewas difficult to resist, deceptive though the assassin may be. Zel’s comforting touch and magical hair aside, there was something entrancing in those green eyes. Only time would tell just how much of a liar Zel proved to be.
Seven
ZEL
Our dearest Rapunzel,
Your mother and I are overjoyed that your time with the sorcerer is proving fruitful, and we believe that in getting to know one another, there will be no doubt in him that he could have no finer bride.
We arrived safely home after our parting with you at the tower to discover your horse had arrived ahead of us, a sign we took to mean you were well, but to hear from you directly adds much needed comfort.
We hope to see you again soon, but rest assured that the music shop thrives, and business continues at a sharp pace compared to the previous season.
We love you dearly.
-Your Devoted Father
Most notably coded in the letter was thatsharp pacemeant Lothar was still giving them assassinations to carry out while Zel was away. Just because the time had come for their grand ruse did not mean his parents could rest during the month. Lothar always had contingencies and would not risk anything other than business as usual to alert the Queen of a plot in the works to undermine her power.
Tucked in with Zel’s parents’ letter was one from Rudy. Whether they knew he had slipped it in was uncertain, but he too kept to a code.
Zel,
The city is not the same without you, my friend. I think of you often. Should you ever need anything that your betrothed cannot provide, trust that your friends in the city will always be there for you.
Don’t forget: Only empty pockets need filling.
Please continue to let us know you are well. While the sorcerer might be judging your worth during this month, we know it is he who could never be worthy of you.
-Yours, Rudy
Coded to some extent or not—offering Thieves Guild assistance should Zel indicate distress—it was still daring and dangerous for Rudy to say such things if Ulrich were to read the letters, which Zel assumed he did.
