"Can I help you?" asked the knight.
Stanislav peered into the room, relaxing as he saw the brown cassock of Brother Rickard. "I'm looking for a man named Athgar," he said. "I bring news."
"Oh yes?" said Sir Raynald. "And how do I know you mean him no harm?"
"I am here at the behest of Natalia."
"She's been kidnapped," said the knight.
"No longer. We were able to escape."
Athgar sat up once more despite the pain. "Where is she?"
"Hold on a moment," warned Sir Raynald. "How do we know this isn't some sort of trap?"
"I carry a message from Natalia," said Stanislav. "It's for Athgar's ears."
"That's me," said Athgar.
Sir Raynald backed up, allowing the visitor entry.
Stanislav looked at the Therengian, noting his grey eyes and brown hair. "My name is Stanislav Voronsky," he said. "I believe you may have heard of me?"
"I have," said Athgar, "but how do I know you're really who you say?"
"State your message," interrupted Sir Raynald, "and be quick about it."
"Very well. Natalia told me to ask when was the last time you bathed?"
Sir Raynald's hand produced the dagger from behind his back, but Athgar forestalled him. "It's all right. He's who he says he is." His gaze shifted back to Stanislav. "Where is she?"
"Very close," the mage hunter replied. "We saw movement through the windows, but I thought it best to investigate first. I can summon her if you wish."
"I'll get her," said Athgar, lifting the blanket from his legs.
"No," said Sir Raynald. "You are far too injured, my friend. Let me."
"Very well," said Athgar.
Sir Raynald put away his dagger, then disappeared into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
"So, tell me, Stanislav," said Athgar, "how is it you came to Ebenstadt?"
"I came here looking for Natalia."
"To what end?"
"To warn her. The forces of the family are being bent to her discovery."
"And how is it you knew you'd find us here?"
"I didn't," the old man confessed. "If truth be told, it was a bit of a gamble. Illiana Stormwind sent me here, but I thought it a fool's errand."
"And yet here we are."
"Indeed," said Stanislav. He shifted his gaze to Brother Rickard. "There's more to it, but the rest is best left till we're alone."
"You said you escaped together? The last time I saw you was in the theatre."
"Yes, unfortunately I was followed to Ebenstadt by an old enemy, a man named Nikolai."
"Yes," agreed Athgar. "He was the one who led us into the trap. I thought he wanted Natalia dead?"
"He did," said Stanislav, "until he learned she was carrying your child."
Athgar frowned. "No doubt he wants a reward for taking them both back to the Volstrum. Did he hurt her?"
"No, though I should tell you she is still without her powers." Stanislav noted the look of concern on the fellow's face. "I can assure you," he quickly added, "such a loss is typical for spell casters. It's all quite normal."
"It is?" Relief flooded Athgar's countenance. "Thank the Gods for that."
"The Gods?" said Stanislav. "Oh yes, that's right. Your people follow the old ways, don't they?"
Footsteps approached, and Brother Rickard opened the door to reveal two visitors.
"Look who I found," said Sir Raynald.
Natalia entered the room, smiling as she spotted Athgar. Her face soon changed to a look of concern as she took in the paleness of his features. "Are you injured?" she asked.
"Only a scratch," he answered.
"It's a bit more than that," added Brother Rickard. "He's been told he has to rest."
She moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed and placing her hand on his arm. "I was afraid they'd killed you," she said.
"He's a tough one," said Sir Raynald, moving to the window and peering out. "It would take more than a few thugs to stop him, I'd warrant."
"What now?" asked Athgar.
"Simple," said Brother Rickard. "You two will stay here and follow my instructions for Athgar's recovery.
"I'm afraid that likely won't be possible," said Stanislav. "News of our escape will have reached our enemies. I'm sure they're already out looking for you."
Sir Raynald stiffened. "I think they've already found us." He was staring below, his eyes focused on movement in the street.
"Get Athgar out of that bed," said Stanislav. "We shall see if we can't buy you the time you need to make your escape. Have you somewhere you can go?"
"Yes," said Natalia. "Back to Runewald."
"Where's that?" asked Sir Raynald.
"Never mind," said Stanislav. "I've heard of it. Now, here's what we're going to do…"
Nikolai gazed up at the windows. "And you're sure that's where they are?"
The man before him nodded, his hand out, waiting for payment. "That's right. The old man and the woman, the one with the pale skin, they entered just a moment ago."
Nikolai dropped a gold coin into the man's hand and sent him on his way. He turned to Federov.
"We'll take them in a rush," he said. "Everyone with me."
He drew his sword while his lieutenant sorted out the order of entry. Nikolai looked at his men. "Remember now, they're casters, so be careful. We need the woman alive, but the rest you can dispatch as quickly as possible. Understood?"
They all nodded, their faces settling into grim determination. Nikolai led them across the street at a run, then burst through the doors. Up the stairs they went until they came to the second floor. Here, there was a short hallway flanked by some decidedly rough-looking doors. At the other end of the corridor were more stairs going up, but the way was blocked by two men.
"Stanislav," said Nikolai. "We meet again!"
"You shall not have her, Nikolai, not this time!"
"Move out of the way, you old fool. I'm on the family's business."
Stanislav answered by revealing the sword he had held behind his back. Beside him was a particularly well-dressed man, a knight by the look of him, holding a well-worn dagger.
"And who's this?" said Nikolai.
"I am Sir Raynald," the man replied,
