The address Marcus gave them led to a private bathhouse in the merchant quarter.
"A bathhouse?" Lyra said, studying the building. "That's... unusual."
It was early afternoon. The street was busy with merchants and customers. The bathhouse looked respectable—expensive tile work, well-maintained entrance.
"Maybe House Roe values privacy," Kael suggested. "Hard to hide weapons or listening devices when everyone's—"
"Naked. Yes, I got that." Lyra looked uncomfortable. "So what's the plan? We both go in?"
"The invitation was for me specifically."
"Which is exactly why I should come. This could be a trap."
A young attendant appeared at the entrance. "Lord Thorne? Lord Roe is expecting you. Please, follow me."
Kael looked at Lyra. "Wait here. If I'm not out in an hour—"
"I'm coming in regardless of how awkward it is," Lyra finished. "Be careful."
The attendant led Kael inside. The entrance hall was pleasant—warm stone floors, steam drifting from the baths beyond, the smell of herbs and incense.
"Lord Roe has reserved the private section," the attendant said. "You'll find robes in the changing room. Please leave your... belongings there."
Including weapons. Kael hesitated, then unbuckled Soulrender. The sword whispered protests in his mind, but he needed to show trust if this was going to work.
He changed into the provided robe, leaving his clothes and the sword in a locked cabinet. The attendant gave him a key.
"Through there," the attendant said, pointing to a door marked with House Roe's symbol.
The private section was even nicer. A large central pool, steam rising from heated water. Private alcoves around the edges. Soft lighting from lamps set in wall niches.
Marcus Roe sat at the edge of the pool, feet in the water, wearing a simple robe. He looked more relaxed than at the auction.
"Kael. Thank you for coming." He gestured to a spot across from him. "Please, sit."
Kael sat, keeping his distance. "You said we could make a deal."
"Straight to business. I appreciate that." Marcus poured tea from a pot on a nearby tray. "The Chains of Binding. You need them to control your sword. House Roe is willing to provide them."
"In exchange for what?"
"A service. There's someone we need dealt with. Someone dangerous who's been... problematic for House Roe's operations."
"You want me to kill someone."
"We want you to eliminate a threat. How you do it is your business." Marcus sipped his tea. "This person has been interfering with our trade routes, killing our agents, stealing information. They're too skilled for normal mercenaries. But someone with your abilities..."
"Who is it?"
"We don't know their real name. They call themselves the Crimson Blade. An assassin. Very good at what they do. Very expensive to hire." Marcus set down his tea. "Three of our people have died trying to stop them. We need someone who can match their skill."
Kael considered. An assassin was different from Julian's thugs. Professional. Trained. Dangerous.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then you don't get the chains. And your sword continues eating away at your control until there's nothing left but a monster wearing your face." Marcus's voice was matter-of-fact. "Those are your options."
"How do I find this Crimson Blade?"
"They're staying at the Silver Moon Inn. Room twelve, upper floor. They're planning to hit another one of our caravans tomorrow night. If you move quickly, you can catch them before they disappear again."
It was too neat. Too convenient. But Kael didn't have better options.
"I'll do it," he said. "But I want to see the chains first. Verify they're real."
"Of course." Marcus stood. "Follow me."
He led Kael to one of the private alcoves. Inside was a locked chest. Marcus opened it, revealing silver chains that gleamed despite the dim light.
The moment Kael saw them, Soulrender screamed in his mind. The sword recognized these chains, feared them.
"They're real," Kael confirmed.
"Then we have a deal." Marcus closed the chest. "Eliminate the Crimson Blade. Bring proof. The chains are yours."
They shook hands, sealing the arrangement.
"One more thing," Marcus said as Kael turned to leave. "Be careful. The Crimson Blade is good. Very good. Don't underestimate them just because you have a magic sword."
"Noted."
Kael returned to the changing room, retrieved his belongings, and found Lyra waiting outside looking anxious.
"Well?" she asked.
"We have a deal. Kill an assassin called the Crimson Blade. Get the chains."
"That's it? Just murder someone and House Roe gives us a priceless artifact?"
"The assassin has been killing House Roe's people. They want them stopped."
Lyra frowned. "The Crimson Blade? I've heard that name. They're supposed to be nearly impossible to catch. Ghost-like. Some say they're not even human."
"Human enough to die," Kael said.
"You hope." Lyra started walking. "So where do we find them?"
"Silver Moon Inn. Room twelve. We move tonight."
"We?"
"You think I'm doing this alone after you lectured me about making decisions together?"
Lyra smiled. "Good. You're learning."
They spent the afternoon preparing. Lyra gathered information about the Silver Moon Inn—layout, exits, usual guard patterns. Kael practiced with Soulrender, feeling the sword's eagerness for another fight.
As evening approached, they dressed for stealth. Dark clothes. Hidden weapons. Lyra's knives and Kael's sword.
"Ready?" Lyra asked.
"No. But let's go anyway."
The Silver Moon Inn was in the entertainment district. Music and laughter spilled from the common room. No one paid attention to two more patrons entering.
They climbed the stairs to the upper floor. Room twelve was at the end of the hall.
Kael listened at the door. No sound from inside.
"Could be asleep," Lyra whispered. "Or waiting."
"One way to find out."
Kael tested the handle. Locked. Lyra produced her picks, working quickly. The lock clicked.
They entered fast, weapons ready.
The room was empty.
No, not empty. Someone had been here—a pack on the bed, traveling gear, a map spread on the table.
"Check the map," Kael said, moving to check the wardrobe.
Lyra studied it. "Caravan routes. House Roe's routes specifically. Marked with dates and—wait. Tonight. There's a mark for tonight."
"They're already gone," Kael realized. "They're hitting the caravan now."
"Where?"
Lyra traced the route. "East road. About five miles outside the city. If we hurry—"
Footsteps in the hallway. Fast. Coming toward their room.
Kael and Lyra moved to either side of the door, weapons ready.
The door burst open.
A figure in red armor rolled into the room, came up with knives drawn, saw them, and froze.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then the figure laughed, a sound that was distinctly female.
"Well," she said, voice muffled by a mask. "This is awkward. You're looking for me, and I'm looking for you."
"The Crimson Blade," Kael said.
"The Cursed Sword," she replied. "House Roe hired you to kill me. And someone else hired me to kill you. Funny how that works."
"Not really funny," Lyra said.
"Fair point." The Crimson Blade shifted her grip on her knives. "So. Shall we dance?"
She moved.
And the fight began.
* * *
END OF CHAPTER 33