Blood Gift Part Two

By Tegan Abbott

In a land of impossible things, where the ability to touch and use the ancient force known as Strand brings gifts of power, ex-assassin Vehemence is walking an uncertain path. Both the Guild of Impossible Things, whose job it is to protect the strand, and the Faction, which works against the Guild it considers corrupt, are determined that Vehemence the Blood-Linker should work for them. Claimed by the Faction before he has a real chance to decide by himself, Vehemence finds himself living a life he didn't knowingly choose.
War stirs the land, Kingdom and Duchy erupting into violence towards each other and Dolour, Vehemence's master, has to reveal his true identity when the Guild insists he give up leadership of his hex-breaking group.
But the Guild too, suffers a blow, when their all-seeing Oracle leaves, and seeks out Vehemence and the remains of the group, determined to break the hex on the Swamps, and find out the truth of what happened there all those years ago. She wishes to continue the hex-breaking work and the group, along with members of the Faction, rally to her cause.
But Vehemence no longer knows where his allegiance should lie. Always wanting redemption for himself, now he finds himself wishing for freedom. Especially once he learns the true range of his abilities as a Blood Linker. It is obvious now that Dolour, and possibly others, have not told him the truth about what he can do.
As priorities and allegiances shift, the hex-breaking group loses members, and Vehemence, unsure what his path should be, must take his future into his own hands, and decide for himself where his powers will be best used.
This is the startling second book in the Blood Gift trilogy, set in a fantasy world where the impossible is never out of reach.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tegan Abbott
• Release date: Jul 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9780987539717

Tegan Abbott

Tegan Abbott is a creative writer and novelist, who wrote her first book at 18. Her 2012 self-published fiction novel, "Blood Gift: Part One", was inspired by a White Wolf table-top role-play game, Exalted. "Blood Gift" is a fantasy novel series complete with redemption and failure. Readers follow the journey of an assassin who develops into a hero, all while fighting his own complicated internal battle."Blood Gift" was an intentional name for the series that she bled for and worked profoundly hard to create ... while creating herself in the process. Like writing, it did not come easily or for free, it was earned while she was working and or studying full time. After finishing her "Blood Gift" trilogy and then completing the first book in a new series, Tegan showed that despite obstacles such as her dyslexia, she could be a successful writer.Not only is Tegan an avid writer influenced by other creatives, such as Robin Hobb and Brandon Sanderson, but she also finds inspiration for her creative works from the world around her. She enjoys studying and writing biology, psychology, and botany. The scientific questions that we are not yet able to answer serve as an encouragement for her fantasy writing and development of new ideas to incorporate into her novels.Her books are available on her website.www.TeganAbbott.com

Book preview

Chapter One

Heroes

Mason’s Turn was one of the central-most cities of the isle and it was a booming riot of colour and calamity. Contrasting this was a solemn mansion perched on a hill overlooking the metropolis below. The white stone walls had been carefully crafted by a world-class mason and, of course, it had been infused with the amazing powers of Strand and Strategy. Its colour and classic design reflected the pure and successful reputation of the company within. The garden in its courtyard was specifically reserved for the use of the housekeeper. Few people loved to garden as much as she did and Hanna was the heart that made the cold stone mansion a haven.

The interior of the building was a masterpiece. It opened into a large hall flanked by opulent columns supporting the ceiling two storeys above. Murals danced across the walls as an elegant and graceful testament to the painter’s imagination and vision. At the end of the huge hall was a staircase that led to a majestic ballroom on the first level and bedrooms on the second level. The balcony to the bedrooms could be seen from the hall. Truly the mansion was a place of fortune and fiction.

This explosion of decadence was home to a few poor, lost souls who had been invited to join the company and reside within the mansion.

The library was one of the show-pieces of the establishment. A formal, rectangular hall with dark brown bookshelves stretching to the ceiling and running the full length of each wall. Mahogany tables with small reading lights were placed strategically throughout the library and dark chocolate couches, with side tables, complemented the more formal reading stations.

It was on one of these lush couches that a motionless blue and black figure interrupted the formal and faultless colour scheme.

Closer inspection revealed a man curled up, sleeping soundly. His features were slightly rugged, lines of weariness were evident in his face and some scars suggested he had been in more than one violent altercation. Nothing else revealed itself at this point, especially not the fact that this sleeping conundrum could hold the secret to factional conquest or a peaceful unification.

Wake up. Lysandra said.

The sleeping man woke with a start to the voice of Lysandra, his lover. She was a strikingly beautiful creature, despite being quite small and unpopularly thin. Hard work and a malnourished childhood had created the figure that stood before him. Her small chest seemed slightly incongruent with the more clearly defined hips but nothing about her was voluptuous enough to cause other men to take more than a passing interest.

Lysandra could have blamed her appearance on a life of slavery, from which she was finally free, but instead she stayed strong and unashamed of who she was and how she looked. Her face was far too pretty to have been beaten by a cruel master and the dress reflected someone who viewed herself as being well above the station of a maid. She bore no scars of illness, proof of the path of good fortune that she travelled in a time of death and disease. The confidence in her stride, however, could be credited to the man who had saved her and when she woke him, hearty red curls bounced as he slowly raised himself from the luxury of the couch.

Good morning Lysandra. Vehemence said.

He was slightly taller than average and one of the first things that drew the eye was his wavy hair which seemed to mysteriously vacillate between a blond and reddish hue. By the standard of the time he was attractive, in a roguish sense. He would have been seen as more appealing if his eyes were not so deeply set, making it impossible not to imagine complex inner battles taking place within his head. He wore a uniform which clearly identified the organisation he served. The handsome blue jacket bore the seal of the company and was complemented by shiny, black boots pulled over blue pants of a darker hue than the jacket.

Closer inspection revealed wispy scars defacing his left cheek and a nose whose unevenness suggested it had been broken more than once. His body rippled with readiness yet in his right hand he held a book, which appeared at odds with the rest of his being.

The book’s blurb outlined a complex, non-fictional account of the political power struggles of the time. The bookmark indicated he had almost finished it and created more interest in a man who, not that long ago, had been one of the most effective and feared assassins ever to stalk his prey.

His grasp of the complex issues within the book, however, still would not be able to arm him for the challenges and manipulation that lay ahead; nor for the revelations that would surface about his own powers and the harsh decisions he would need to make.

The woman smiled when she heard her name. There was an uncommon and immensely flattering warmth in her smile.

Good morning Vehemence. Lysandra said. Her tone was kind but there was a touch of urgency in her voice.

Is Dolour ready to leave now? Vehemence asked.

He has asked you to meet him in the hall. Lysandra said, sadly.

Vehemence kissed his lover gently, placed the book on a table beside the chair and strode purposefully from the room.

• • •

He saw the master of the company striding across the huge entry hall. Dolour was a tall, wiry man who defied his age. His bold blond hair had not receded or greyed while the discreet creases in his face caused Vehemence to conclude that they were formed more by worry than age. Dolour stopped, stood straight-backed and gestured that Vehemence come to him with an elegant wave of his hand. Everything about Dolour was noble, including his attire, which while similar to Vehemence’s in company design, was clearly made from better quality fabric and was a cleaner, crisper white. Education and propriety had made him a man of impeccable stature but more so he was a man of precision and cunning.

Almost everything is unpacked now. Dolour said. Dolour was evidently reflecting on the move from his house within the port to this, his new domain. This was a mansion that the powerful Guild had built for his company. Dolour was one of the few men on the isle who was doing all he could to right some of the many wrongs of misused and abused ability, much of it by the Guild itself.

That was fast! Vehemence said. Vehemence was genuinely surprised. More so, he was stunned that such a large number of Guild members had volunteered to move everything from the old house to this one.

What do you expect Vehemence? This is the Guild. Evident in Dolour’s irritated tone was that, while he recognised the effort of the Guild members, there were many there whose company he clearly did not enjoy. A lifetime within the Guild had made Dolour quite intolerant of those he did not respect.

Oh, and some locals have tied their horses to the carriage and will be driving the carriage home. I’m quite happy that I made it to the lighthouse and that I could memorise it, so not all was lost. Dolour said conclusively. Vehemence both loved and hated that Dolour had to finish everything he started. Vehemence decided to change the subject.

Well, I have everything I need. Is Silver coming with us?

Silver has explained that settling her creature into the mansion’s stables will take longer than she expected so she will meet us there when she is ready.

Dolour started walking to the door and as usual, Vehemence followed behind him respectfully. Dolour had told him that he need not be so formal but Vehemence was adamant that a display of respect needed to be shown so all could see that Dolour was the master of the company.

Of course, today was different. Today Vehemence was going to meet some of the most influential members of the Faction. Dolour had left all items that could be watched by the Oracle in the Guild. The Guild and the Faction were historically opposites. They differed mostly in that the Guild stood for oppression and obedience whereas the Faction was the voice of freedom. Needless to say, the ideals of the Faction had always appealed to Vehemence, the ex-assassin. Today, however, he was going to see if his expectations would meet reality. He felt his sense of heightened anticipation matched by his beast within. It was an eerie yet strangely confirming experience.

• • •

Vehemence followed Dolour through the city until the noble stopped in a quiet alley. They stood in front of an abandoned building. The windows had been boarded up and no noise stirred from within. It was a particularly narrow structure surrounded by buildings tall enough to stop the light from reaching the ground where Vehemence and Dolour stood. Dolour moved to the boarded door of the building and spoke a word that Vehemence had never heard before. To his surprise, what had appeared to be a boarded door swung open. The boards had only been nailed into the door and they did not extend over the hinged side. The man within was someone Vehemence had seen before but only once. Nevertheless Vehemence remembered him. He was someone new to manhood and appeared to regress to a boyish nature in crises. Vehemence’s recollection was that of a good man with heart and strength of character. Vehemence had met him when he sought help from Dolour because his girlfriend, Chloe, had been abducted. His name was Paulos.

Dolour, Vehemence. Paulos said to the pair on the street. He moved back from the door to allow them both to enter.

It’s good to see you again. Paulos said, as he closed the door to the street. It was dark within the building but unlike the other Faction ‘owned’ location Vehemence had been in, this one did not smell like mould.

Before their eyes could adjust to the dimness, Paulos asked them to leave anything that held Strand with him. Dolour checked his pockets and then shook his head. He had told Vehemence he was leaving the memory artefacts behind and he had been true to his word. Vehemence indicated that he too carried nothing with Strand which could be traced by the Guild.

Paulos smiled as he called the name of his lover and she appeared from behind a closed door. She held what looked like an oil lamp but its light was strange and there was no flame or smoke. The lamp shed enough light for the group to see each other and the room well enough.

Hello again. Chloe said. Her voice was as quiet, as Vehemence remembered.

Blaze told us you would be coming so I asked if we could wait to greet you. Paulos said, beaming.

It’s good to be wanted. Vehemence said, bowing his head appreciatively.

We’re just glad you’re going to join us now. Paulos said, excitedly.

Paulos look at him; he was always going to join the Faction. Dolour said, as if he knew more about Vehemence than the ex-assassin did about himself. Paulos paused respectfully, looked at Chloe and nodded.

Chloe will take you through. Paulos moved back to his post at the door after he had spoken.

• • •

The differences between the Guild and the Faction were vast. One was might and majesty and the other tempting and tenacious. Obviously the reputation of the Faction was what had made Vehemence question the members’ motives of the Guild.

Here, however, there was only darkness until illuminated by the lamplight of their guide. The house Vehemence and Dolour had entered hid a series of secret tunnels beneath and it was with a degree of trepidation and claustrophobic that they journeyed deeper and deeper under the city through the first tunnel. It smelled odd too, like strange spices, something Vehemence had never smelt before. It was sweet, and as they walked deeper along the dark passage, the smell became stronger.

Here. Chloe said, leading the group deeper into the dark. Chloe’s voice was as sweet as ever. She moved the group into a large round room where she placed the lamp on the ground in the centre. This only allowed enough light to see that the floor was stone, like the passage. A pile of cushions occupied the centre of the room near a table. Vehemence felt like he had slipped into the belly of an opium den.

I will go and tell Blaze that you’re here. Chloe said, bowing her head. When she did, the group returned the respect.

Thank you Chloe. Dolour said. The subtle straightening of her back made it evident that Chloe was pleased to hear Dolour’s appreciation.

You won’t be waiting long. Chloe said as she moved towards a large timber.

Wait. Vehemence called, making Chloe turn her head back enough to view him in the dim light.

Won’t you need the lamp?

Chloe shook her head at Vehemence’s question.

She then opened the door deeper into the Faction’s hideout. Strange sounds came from behind that door and Vehemence thought he could hear the echo of music. When Chloe closed the door however the sounds and the music were gone.

There was quiet now. Vehemence saw Dolour make himself comfortable on the cushions. He took some strange fruit from the table and picked it apart. He then devoured the pieces he had determined to be the most desirable.

Where are we? Vehemence asked.

Vehemence, sit down, there is no cause to be concerned. Dolour said, making Vehemence question how he had sounded. Rather than addressing Dolour’s needlessly strong response, Vehemence continued to gaze around the room curiously.

How far underground are we? Vehemence asked, casually. When Dolour did not answer, Vehemence eventually obeyed the command and seated himself on the cushions. His confusion remained. He looked around, trying to make out details of the room that were obscured by the darkness. After some minutes his creature allowed its eyes to merge with those of the ex-assassin and he was gradually able to make out more details, including that room had been painted a deep red.

Below the drains. Dolour said this as last before he bit into another piece of the strange fruit.

So when it was said that the Faction was underground they meant, under the city?… Vehemence asked while staring at the door through which Chloe had departed.

Does someone know we are waiting here?

Of course. Dolour said, glancing at Vehemence. You are surrounded by gifted here. You should try some of this fruit.

Vehemence looked at it. The darkness would have hid its ugliness if he had not been able to use his creature’s eyes. The fruit did not look edible. Dolour apparently noticed his expression and realised his reluctance.

Since when is an ex-assassin picky about his food? This is the famed fruit of darkness, one of the reasons the Faction can live underground. Dolour asked, with his full attention on Vehemence.

Vehemence realised he was right. When had he submitted to the comforts of Dolour’s life? As an attempt to mask this change, he copied what Dolour had done and peeled a piece of the fruit from the other segments. He looked at it for it while remembering Dolour legendary appetite. It looked disgusting but he closed his eyes, opened his mouth and was about to taste it when…

I see you’re trying the fruit. That’s brave. It was the voice of Blaze who saved Vehemence from biting the piece of fruit in his hand. Blaze moved into the room and then sat on one of the cushions around the table.

Delicious. Vehemence said, referring to the fruit he had not yet tried. He then placed the fruit back onto the plate and looked up to see that Dolour’s cheeks were puffed with the fruit. He was chewing slowly and despite watching Vehemence, he seemed to be enjoying the fruit.

I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. Blaze said, politely bowing his head. Vehemence had no idea of what lay beyond or the protocol for reaching it. What he did know was the importance of secrets…and the Faction’s reason for being. But he could feel excitement he did not know he had, building within him about finally being able to enter the Faction that he had been working for, for so long.

Do you swear to hold secret that you see within these walls Vehemence? Blaze asked this rehearsed question quickly and easily.

Yes. Vehemence promised, nodding. However he really did not have any idea what he was agreeing to keep secret. Blaze smiled and Vehemence trusted him so he felt all would be well.

I knew you’d join us…well I’m the group in Brechis so, I mean to say the entire Faction not this group…but I suppose a traveller like you can call any of the Faction hideouts his own. Blaze smiled when he said this. It was that same disarming grin. His welcome was kind but it bothered Vehemence that everyone seemed to assume he’d make a choice to join the Faction. It felt more like an obligation now. After all, Vehemence was the one who had forced peace between the Faction and the Guild because of his association with the Faction. What use would that be without him actually joining the Faction?

Wait, that’s all I need to do? When Vehemence asked this, Blaze smiled.

You’re a blood-linker. Your word is your bond. Blaze said, confidently.

While Vehemence could not argue with Blaze, he felt like there should have been a little more formality or the signing of something. All the talk of joining the Faction had allowed his imagination to create an elaborate ceremony. The truth of it was a bit of a let down.

Come on then, let’s show you what it’s all about. Blaze said, excitement sparking in his eyes.

Vehemence had observed the same expression during the sessions when Blaze was training him. They had been hard sessions, as Blaze possessed stamina and skill which few could match. His athleticism and sculptured features made him an imposing trainer.

• • •

The door from the round room took the group to the area Chloe had obviously entered. Vehemence could hear the strange music again. Blaze had taken the lamp. A glance back confirmed that Dolour was walking behind them. The chewing noise was Dolour eating the fruit he gathered from the room. He had an entire handful of the ugly looking substance! Vehemence cringed at the thought of what it might taste like, then faced forward again. This tunnel was as long as the one from the house. However, it did not take the group to another small room.

Blaze had led them into a large cavern carved out by hand and crude tools. Vehemence could only imagine the work that was needed to have cut this chamber from the rock. Even more impressive was how well it had been done. The walls of this enormous room were cut straight. It was truly incredible. The only light here glowed from strange insects which were kept in glass lamps. Fire would produce smoke and so the smoke would have needed to be vented and that would have given away the secret location. So it made sense that another option needed to be found, but Vehemence had no idea how or where these insects had been found.

With a glance Vehemence saw families, farmers and carpenters. There was an entire community here. Vehemence could hear the music he had heard in the tunnel, but louder. There were small farm plots that grew plants of types that Vehemence had never seen before. There were huts that seemed to be personal houses and, as they walked, they moved past a small market. For there to be a market, they needed to have some contact with the outside world, or traders who would set up stalls for the unique goods the Faction could make for them.

It was nothing like Vehemence had imagined and as Blaze glanced over his shoulder at him he saw the glow of pride across his face. Vehemence thought it very appropriate that Blaze feel a sense of worth for belonging to such an incredible world. It was then that Vehemence saw the origin of the strange music. It was a small group of people, four of them, who sat at the market’s edge. In the dim light of the luminous insects, they played with heart. Vehemence had never heard such music.

Their instruments were as unusual as their music. The thumping beat was made by an object as tall as the man who played it. A long, vertical opening exposed that it was hollow on the inside. It was hit by a wooden club that made the thump that echoed from its belly. Another one of the band members played a type of flute that Vehemence had never seen before. The other two instruments were flat boards that were played on the musician’s laps. Eight strings had been tied from one end to the other and it seemed that each of the strings somehow made a different noise from the other string thereby able to create a tune.

Vehemence drifted from the conversation Blaze and Dolour were having. He heard nothing but the music that enticed him forward. The woman playing the smallest drum saw his approach and nodded her thanks that he appreciated their music. The liveliness of their music had enticed a group of people to dance and celebrate near the musicians. Vehemence tried to imitate their freedom as they danced but he did so clumsily. A young boy in the group stopped dancing to laugh at Vehemence’s attempt. Vehemence laughed at himself and at the child’s enjoyment of his ridiculousness. The musicians seemed to enjoy the dancing as much as the dancers enjoyed the music. Vehemence had to confess to himself that this was nothing like the Faction he had imagined.

Vehemence. Blaze called.

The ex-assassin turned to see Blaze and Dolour watching him. Dolour had now consumed all of the fruit. He stood with his arms crossed and irritation evident in the curve of his brow. Vehemence patted the boy who had laughed on the head just to hear him laugh again. Then he walked toward his master and the man who had trained him not so long ago.

We were going to introduce you to some of the people who would help you out but it seems you have your own ideas on who you’d like to spent time with. So maybe it’s best if you have a look around yourself. I’m going to have a chat with Dolour. When you want to leave, find Chloe at the door to the round room. Blaze said, in he clear assertive manner Vehemence remembered and respected him for…with a charisma that was both empowering and intriguing.

Thank you. Vehemence said, honestly. Vehemence’s response generated an expression on Blaze’s face that suggested he had made the right choice.

Silver will be around here sometime. So keep vigilant and you shall see her. Dolour said, looking around him briefly as if he expected to see her now.

Vehemence nodded, then bowed his head, showing his trust for them as by lowering his eyes he was clearly making himself vulnerable. Blaze took Vehemence’s hand when his head was raised. This was Blaze’s preferred way of showing trust, as it was his sword hand that he offered. Blaze was not fond of bowing his head. He had told Vehemence that it felt like something a more timid person might do. Of course men such as Vehemence defied this opinion as it was clear that he, and men like him, were not submissive by nature. After the correct marks of respect and trust Vehemence watched Dolour and Blaze leave.

Blaze had told Vehemence before that he was responsible for a great section of the Faction hideout in the bay. He was responsible to protect those within and to find people with abilities who needed the Faction’s unique help. As for Dolour…well he was the forefront of a war against abused ability and those who suffered the effect of it. So to Vehemence, and many others, Blaze and Dolour were heroes of the people. A shudder ran down his spine at the thought of how lucky he was to know and work for them both. It humbled him to believe that he was helping them fight in their own healing ways.

It was only when they had gone, however, that he really felt the freedom to dance to the music from the strange musicians. He moved awkwardly and did what he could to mimic the dancing of others. When he was starting to make sense of the motions he was making, the musicians stopped. The little group, who had been enjoying the music, clapped and Vehemence did too. The musicians talked to each other and to those who approached them. Vehemence, however, thought it time to explore some of the other wonders the Faction warrens had to offer.

He walked through their exotic market and looked over the goods they had displayed. There were strange things here like more of the fruit he still had not found the pluck to try. Sparkling crystals next caught his attention. He looked up to greet the merchant and she looked away from him abruptly. It seemed that she and a few people standing nearby had been watching him. After a moment she casually turned to look at him as if she had never seen him. He thought it better to not challenge her deception; after all, she looked nervous enough already.

These crystals look interesting. Vehemence said as he picked up one of the crystals. The merchant looked at him with curiosity.

You would pick that one? The merchant said, confusing Vehemence.

I was just looking. Vehemence said calmly.

These are not jewellery or ornaments they are Crystallized Strand. This is Wandering Strand I have collected.

Strand can be forgotten?

Not quite. This is the difference between our abilities and those within the Guild. We use what we find…what is lost. They take from the river. The merchant said. Her voice was strangely melodic. She looked as common as any poor woman he had ever seen. She had untamed wild curls that made her look older than she was and she wore simple, cheap clothing. However, Vehemence felt there was something inside her, some incredible power that he could not comprehend.

You hold a very restless tangle there. I found that one on a battlefield. It was angry and alone. That broken piece of Stand had tied its self in a knot. The merchant said. It was strange to see her lavishing such affection on a mere piece of Strand. Then she looked right into Vehemence’s eyes.

You should keep that one. It moves like you. The merchant said with conviction. Vehemence felt she meant it as a compliment but it felt like a insult to be known by a stranger. Lengthy conversations with the creature within him had exposed a lot about his greatest influence. The creature was old. And as it had existed for many years it had gathered wisdom. The creature was as much his good master as the other tattered pieces of Strand that had been tied together to make him. He was good, clever, clean and noble.

Vehemence was a man of his own. Though tainted by what he had done to get here, there was good in him. He had strength that few could comprehend, the courage of an army and a strong sense of honour. So the connection of him to a tangled thread made Vehemence remember some of who he was before the creature had saved his own life by hijacking his body. The creature had been kind about it but Vehemence was often so far from whom he was that he could not remember anything about his true self. And the crystal that he stared at was him.

You should keep it. When the woman said this, Vehemence looked up abruptly.

I should. He said this as he removed the coin purse from within his jacket.

No Vehemence, this is a gift, for letting us walk freely. The merchant said with conviction. Vehemence glanced around him to see the other merchants were staring at him. He then looked at the crystal merchant and smiled.

Nothing I did was righteous. I just worked for Dolour. I should pay you. Vehemence said, picking coin from his purse.

Dolour’s business was not doing well before you joined. This was the voice of another merchant.

I wish I had the courage to stand against the Guild and do the work they ignore. This was the voice of another merchant in the marketplace.

All while dealing with the horror of hexes and showing the Guild for the fools they are. The crystal merchant said.

Dolour takes them onto himself. I just stand with him. He is the one who brought the peace. Vehemence said, getting more and more confused about his place in everything.

The Guild made a deal that he would use his abilities to undo hexes in exchange for his freedom from the Guild. After fifteen years of casting hexes and living, Dolour fulfilled that promise, and only because he was threatened to be taken back to the Guild. He did not choose to dabble with hexes, Vehemence. Few know that Dolour hexes all blood he touches so those who are hexed will do all they can to help I see it in the strand. He does great work but he risks little. You gave up your life to help us. You fight against the mighty Guild. The crystal merchant said.

Vehemence had nothing to say. He had known that Dolour was not successful with he and Ephraim…and Ephraim would have lost his abilities with or without Vehemence. However, Vehemence took Dolour’s offer so he could be a better man. He did not know of Dolour’s bargaining, or his failings. For a time, he said nothing; he just looked at the crystal he held.

I chose redemption over what I had become. Nothing more. Vehemence said, remembering the night Dolour had found him. No matter how much Dolour needed Vehemence, the ex-assassin would never forget how Dolour saved his life.

And that is more than most people will ever do. This time it was a man shopping in the market who spoke. It seemed a small group had gathered behind him. Vehemence