“You bastard,” the mercenary said, and moved in again. The sticks whirled, clattered, moving with blinding speed, and then there was the sharp crack of a stick on bone and the mercenary cried out and staggered, bringing one of his hands, still clutching the stick, up to the side of his head.
“Sorry,” Kieran said. “Clumsy of me.”
Roaring, the mercenary charged him. Kieran sidestepped the rush, simultaneously sweeping the mercenary’s legs out from under him and rapping quickly on his head as he fell.
“Watch out for that spilled ale,” he said. “It makes the floor slippery.”
Stunned, the mercenary slowly got back up to his feet, pure murder in his eyes. With a sudden motion, he hurled one of the sticks at Kieran, who raised both his sticks and, with a quick flourish, batted the missile away.
“You want to use just one?” he asked, then shrugged. “Suits me.” And he tossed one of his sticks away.
The mercenary screamed with rage and charged once again, bringing his stick down in a vicious, sweeping blow. Kieran parried with a circular motion and hooked his stick under the charging mercenary’s arm as he sidestepped and somehow the man was suddenly flipped and flying through the air. The crowd parted quickly as he landed on his back with a loud crash on a table, which broke under his weight. The crowd broke out in cheers and applause.
Kieran looked at the motionless figure of the mercenary for a moment, shrugged, and tossed his stick aside, then went over to Cricket and offered her a hand, helping her up. Turin came rushing up to them.
“Magnificent!” he said, effusively. “Truly magnificent! I have never seen anything like it! Whatever you wish, it’s on the house tonight! And I’m sure Cricket will be happy to give you a private dance in one of our comfortable rooms upstairs, won’t you, Cricket?”
“No, I won’t,” she said, firmly. “I quit!”
Turin chuckled awkwardly. “There, there, now, you’re upset, and I can certainly understand, under the circumstances, but this gentleman has just fought on your behalf and surely you wouldn’t be so ungrateful as to refuse him?”
“The lady owes me nothing,” Kieran said. “Scum like that give my profession a bad name. I acted on my own behalf.”
“Well, it is very gallant of you to say that,” Turin replied, “but I am certain once Cricket gets over her shock and has some time to think things over, she’ll want to be properly appreciative.”
“Do not misunderstand,” Cricket said to Kieran, “I am very grateful for what you did, and if there is some way I can repay you, I will try. But not… that way. I… I cannot.”
“I understand,” said Kieran. “I would never wish a woman to lie with me out of a sense of obligation. And, as I said, I did not do it for you. You owe me nothing.”
“I owe you my thanks, at the very least,” said Cricket, “but I am leaving this place tonight. The caravan is departing for Altaruk tomorrow and I am going with it.”
“Then I will look forward to the pleasure of your company. We shall be traveling together.”
“Now, Cricket, there is nothing to be served by making hasty decisions,” Turin said. “You’re upset now, and—”
“I had already booked passage before this happened,” Cricket interrupted him. “I am leaving, Turin, so don’t try to stop me. I am already packed.”
Turin’s jaw dropped. “Is this how you repay me, after all I’ve done for you?”
“After all you have done for me?” said Cricket angrily. “I have made you a great deal of money, Turin! I have earned every copper I have made in this place, and more, but at least I have done it without compromising my virtue!”
“Your virtue?” Turin said. “Oh, really! Isn’t it a bit ludicrous for you to put on the airs of an affronted virgin?”
“I am a virgin!” she shouted at him.
Everyone fell silent. Turin simply stared at her with shock.
“Damn you, Turin,” she said softly as tears flowed down her cheeks.
“May I escort you home, my lady?” Kieran asked, offering her his arm.
“I… I have to get my things,” she stammered.
“I will bring them to you,” an elven bard said, stepping up beside her. He patted her on the shoulder. “Go on, now,” he said, handing her his cloak. “It will be all right.” He smiled. “You’ve certainly given them something to remember you by.”
She smiled through her tears. “Thank you, Edric,” she said, kissing him on the cheek. “Please,” she said to Kieran, “I want to go home now.”
The crowd parted for them as they turned to leave.
Behind them, the big mercenary regained consciousness and sat up groggily. His gaze focused on Kieran, and he reached behind his neck, pulling a stiletto from a concealed sheath on his back, under his tunic. He drew his arm back…
“Kieran, look out!” Drom shouted.
Kieran spun around just in time to see a ceramic bottle come flying through the air and shatter against the big mercenary’s temple. The man grunted and collapsed, dropping the knife. Kieran looked quickly to see who had thrown it. His gaze fell on Sorak. Sorak simply nodded at him.
Kieran smiled. “That’s two I owe you, Sorak,” he said. “My thanks. I won’t forget.”
Edric turned to stare at Sorak intently.
“Well, I think I’ve had enough entertainment for one night,” Ryana said.
Sorak offered her his arm. “In that case, my lady, will you allow me to escort you home?”
She took his arm and snuggled up against him. “Would you like a private dance, as well?”
“I didn’t know you could dance,” said Sorak with surprise.
“I can’t,” she replied, batting her eyelashes.
“Tajik,” Sorak said, “we’re leaving now.”
“Well, I must say, it’s certainly been an interesting night,” said the ferry captain as he led them toward the door. Behind them, Edric continued to stare at Sorak. Then he turned to Turin. “I will return for Cricket’s things,” he said.
“Aah, do as you like, and good riddance to you
