"Toss over yours," she ordered.
Federov, fearing for his master's life, did as he was bid, watching helplessly as the mage picked it up.
"Into the corner," said Stanislav. "Quickly now."
The old mage hunter began moving towards the door, keeping his front to Nikolai's accomplice as he moved into the room. Natalia backed out, followed by Stanislav, who took only a moment to push Nikolai onto the floor before slamming the door shut. Natalia pulled forth the keys, but none was the right size for the door.
Stanislav cursed. "Leave it," he called out. "We have no time, we must flee while we can!"
They ran through the room, Natalia pausing as she saw her ring sitting on the table. Scooping it up, she held it firmly in her hand as they hurried on their way.
Athgar awoke to see a ceiling above, covered in peeling paint, and quickly realized he was lying in a bed.
A figure shifted to his right. "He's awake," said Sir Raynald.
Turning his head, Athgar tried to shield his eyes from the light streaming through the window. "What time is it?"
"Just past sun-up," said the knight. "Brother Rickard says you were in pretty bad shape when he got to you. What happened?"
"Where's Natalia?"
"We were hoping YOU could tell US," said Sir Raynald. "What happened? Last time I saw you was at the father general's place."
"Natalia saw someone from her past, a man named Nikolai. We followed him to an old theatre, but it was an ambush." His voice choked up. "I tried to save her, but there were too many of them."
Brother Rickard placed his hand on Athgar's arm. "I'm sure you did your best. It's remarkable you managed to escape, considering your wound."
"It was bleeding pretty badly," admitted Athgar. "I barely made it back."
"I have bound it," the Mathewite continued, "but you've lost a fair amount of blood. You shall have to rest for a few days."
"I can't," declared Athgar, sitting up suddenly. "I have to find Natalia!"
"I'll send some knights," said Sir Raynald, "but from your description, I doubt they'll find anything. Whoever sprang this ambush is likely long gone by now."
Athgar sank back down, a look of defeat on his face. "Then it's over. She's dead."
"Have faith," said Brother Rickard. "That may not be the case. Wouldn't they want her alive?"
"If you had asked me last summer," said Athgar, "I would have agreed, but I've become convinced they want her dead."
The room fell silent.
"She was a remarkable woman," said Sir Raynald. "Possibly the most intelligent person I've ever met."
"Hang on," said Athgar, "I just had a thought."
"Which is?"
"He could have killed her right away, but she fell prone. She's been having problems with her magic, you see, due to the child."
"The child?" said Brother Rickard.
"Yes, OUR child. I imagine the Volstrum would want to get their hands on it. I'm told they pay a hefty bounty for gifted individuals, and our child would be powerful, too, wouldn't it?"
"I'm afraid magic is far out of my area of expertise, but it certainly sounds reasonable."
"They would have ridden out of town by now," Athgar said, his face falling.
"Not likely," said Sir Raynald. "Every spare horse in the city has been taken by the Church. Even merchants have had to give up their mounts. They're all needed for the supply wagons."
"So they're still here, somewhere," said Athgar.
"You said you spotted him at the father general's?"
"We did. Oh, and the master of the Temple Knights is a Stormwind."
"A Stormwind? Impossible," said Brother Rickard. "It takes years to become a member of that august family, doesn't it? How could he then also be a Temple Knight? How did you come to this conclusion?"
"He wore a ring that identified him as such," said Athgar.
"Come now, how could you possibly know that?"
Athgar looked the Mathewite in the eyes. "Because my wife's real name is Natalia Stormwind. Let me explain…"
The Wolf
Autumn 1104 SR
Stanislav peered across the street. "I see some movement in the window."
"That will be Athgar," said Natalia, relief in her voice. "He must have made it back to the room."
"There's always the possibility it's someone from the family. I'll go up there and check it out while you stay here. I'll come and get you if it's safe."
"He won't know you," she protested. "It should be me who goes."
"And risk capture a second time? No, it's better if I go. Your magic isn't working right now, remember?"
"Very well, but be careful."
"I will," he said, pausing for a moment. "Athgar doesn't know me. I'll need something to convince him I'm a friend, something only you would know."
"Ask him if he enjoys bathing," she said.
He scrunched up his face. "What will be his answer?"
"I doubt he'll have one, but he'll know it's from me."
Stanislav nodded. "Very well, now stay here, and keep out of sight. I shouldn't be long."
He crossed the road, disappearing into the Wolf of Adenburg.
Athgar sat up, wincing as his leg twinged.
"You must stay still," warned Brother Rickard. "You're in no shape for exertions."
"I can't just sit here waiting," the Therengian replied. "It's killing me."
"You have little choice. If you were to set off after her now, you likely wouldn't reach the end of the block, and then where would you be?"
"He's right, you know," added Sir Raynald. "I've sent Sir Humphrey to the theatre to look things over, but until we hear back, there's little that can be done." He looked out the window, watching people below as they walked by the inn.
A soft knock drew their attention. Brother Rickard looked at Sir Raynald, and the knight nodded, moving to the door and pausing a moment. "Who is it?" he called out.
"A friend," came the reply. "I have a message for Athgar."
Raynald looked at the Therengian, who merely shrugged in response.
"I don't recognize the voice," said Athgar.
Sir Raynald drew a dagger, holding it
