Forge of the Mindslayers: Blade of the Flame Book 2 by Tim Waggoner Page B

the vague outline of a human body could be seen. A woman.
    Diran’s heart seized in his chest, and he whispered, “Makala?”
    “Is that a dagger in your hand, or are you just glad to see me?”
    The woman took a few more steps toward him, and Diran could make out enough of her features to recognize the commander of the Sea Scorpions. With a fluid motion, Diran returned the dagger to its sheath. If Asenka had heard him call her by a different name, she made no remark on it.
    “Good evening, Asenka. Don’t tell me you’ve returned because you can’t get enough of the King Prawn’s delicious ale.”
    Her laugh was warm and cheerful, and the sound helped diminish the fog’s chill. “Hardly. Today wasn’t the first time I have run off Haaken and his crew. In the past, they’ve been known to sneak back and cause further trouble. I’ve been keeping on eye onthe King Prawn, figuring that if they did come back, they’d come for you and your friend.”
    Diran felt a sudden pang of worry. Could Ghaji have detected the Coldhearts lurking about? His half-orc senses were sharper than Diran’s human ones, so it was quite possible, but why would Ghaji have gone off on his own to investigate? The man could be impulsive at times, but he wasn’t foolish.
    “Any sign of the Coldhearts?” Diran asked, trying not to let the worry he felt for his friend creep into his voice.
    Asenka shook her head. “Aside from the usual drunken scuffles between sailors, it’s been quiet tonight. It looks like Haaken may have actually gotten the message this time.”
    Diran was relieved to hear that. Hopefully, whatever had lured Ghaji away was something the half-orc warrior could deal with on his own.
    A silence settled between them then, more companionable than awkward, despite the fact that this was only their second meeting. After a bit, Asenka said, “I have a confession to make.”
    “Oh? It’s a good thing I’m a priest then.”
    She smiled, but she didn’t laugh this time. “Earlier, I acted as if I didn’t know you, but I did. I’ve heard of you and your friend. The two of you have been in the Principalities only a short time, but you’re already gaining quite a reputation in certain circles.”
    “What circles would these be?” Diran kept his tone light, but he was on guard.
    Since coming to the Principalities, he and Ghaji had done what they could to battle evil, but neither of them was overly concerned about whose toes they had to step on—or on occasion, cut off—in order to get the job done. That meant that they’d managed to make more than a few enemies among the Lhazaarites, and it was possible that Asenka was one of them.
    “Let’s just say that word has spread among the barons to keep a sharp eye out for a dagger-wielding priest and a half-orc who carries an elemental axe. It’s said that whenever they sail into port, trouble comes blowing in after them.”
    It was Diran’s turn to smile. “I wouldn’t dispute that, though I’d argue any trouble is present long before we arrive.”
    Asenka narrowed her eyes and regarded Diran. “Are you saying there’s trouble in Perhata?”
    Diran thought about what Yvka had told him regarding Aldarik Cathmore. “I’m not sure yet.”
    “Promise me something: when you
are
sure, you’ll let me know before you start hurling daggers about and turning the citizens of Perhata into pin cushions.”
    “Why? So you can run Ghaji and me out of town, like you did the Coldhearts?”
    “No, silly.” She stepped forward until only a few inches of foggy air separated their bodies. “So I can help you.” Then she pressed her lips against his and kissed him. Diran was surprised, but not as surprised as when he found himself returning her kiss.
    Asenka pulled away, gave him a last smile, then turned and walked away until she was swallowed by the fog. Diran stood staring into the gray nothingness where she had vanished, glad that Ghaji hadn’t been present. If he had been, the