A Red Mist: Assassin Series #2

By Simon Corn

Lucinda Millhaven, scarred for life by a rogue assassin's blade, clings desperately to the memory of her time with Alex Black, the man she'd come to love. Endless nightmares of the blade slicing through her flesh and down her face from eye to mouth played out as the seconds of the hospital clock ticked slowly past. But Alex never returned, and neither did her only friend, Alara Du Preeze.
The family that had ruthlessly cast her aside and sent her to the Killing Grounds now claim that they want her back and that she is forgiven for being born with the magical Arts flowing through her body; as natural as her life's blood. She'd be damned if she had to apologise!
But, Family Comes First is the Millhaven creed and even though chilled her to the core; she knew it was a worthy one.
A chance meeting with a street child will change Lucinda's life forever, but how can an assassin have a relationship with a child? Taking the child as an apprentice, she secrets her away to Millhaven House where she's met by Bastian, who, as always, rises to the occasion and smooths the way for Polly to stay with the family.
Lucinda, finally happy to have something positive in her life, throws herself into helping the rest of the school children, but fate has other plans for the assassin's blades.
A powerful businessman with links to House Black is rumoured to have paid a bounty on the family and when a red-clad assassin turns up to claim the prize, Lucinda's world is turned on its head. The Doctor, as he is known to everyone, is on her radar, so why is it that she can never lock him down?
Meanwhile, a Bishop with delusions of grandeur lays a bounty and Lucinda accepts, but things are rarely what they seem and what should be an easy kill turns into the most dangerous night of her life.
Family Comes First, but, as the Red Mist rises Lucinda will rely on two things only; the sharpness of her blades and the ball of white-hot anger in her heart. Love and hate, anger and tears, envy and greed, all wrapped up with a bow weaved from the ether and a cast with the flick of a wrist.
Let the Red Mist rise and loose the blades of revenge!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon Corn
• Release date: Sep 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463799161

Simon Corn

Simon retired from industry to follow his passion for writing. He spends his time creating fantastic worlds for readers to lose themselves in, engaging characters that you’ll want to love and hate (sometimes at the same time), and stories that encapsulate the imagination and take you on a journey through life, death and everything in between. He also laughs way too much at himself in the mirror every morning.

Book preview

Lucinda Millhaven awoke to the sounds of nurses bustling around the hospital ward. Her body was wracked with pain, her vision blurred, her spirit tainted. Days passed, slowly, as if time was teasing her. When her eyes closed, she dreamt, and when they opened the real nightmare began. Agony from the gash in her stomach and the tear running down her face throbbed to the ticking of the hospital clock. She tried to roll on her side only to be beaten back by shards of electrical pain radiating from her midriff.

Her bed was hard and lumpy, the pillow thin, offering little support. Her hands, wet with sweat, shook violently, as she attempted to cast a shield around herself. The effort exhausted what was left of her energy. She embraced the pain and slipped back into unconsciousness.

Her dreams were haunted by fantasies of Alex and Alara, laughing at her as she died and then finding solace in each other’s arms. She awoke and screamed Alex’s name, but the Assassin never answered. The only two people she ever cared about had left her to rot. Neither had visited or sent a message. Hate fuelled a fire in her belly, and the need for revenge overwhelmed the nightmares of her final test played out in the corridors and deserted rooms of the Killing Grounds.

She felt a presence at the foot of the bed, It’s time, dear.

Then get it done, old woman.

The nurse dragged a tray on wheels full of bandages and small vials, filled with many coloured liquids, next to the bed, Try not to fight it, dear. Lucinda grimaced as the nurse peeled away the blood-soaked bandage from her head, the pain was almost intolerable. I know it’s hard, dear, just hold on I’ll be as quick as I can.

Fuck you… Lucinda said through clenched teeth. The nurse tutted but failed to berate her for the insult. It wasn’t the first time Lucinda had cursed at her, and it wouldn’t be the last.

Try not to flinch, or the stitches will come loose.

You try!

You have the gift. Why don’t you heal yourself?

Memories of the final fight blazed like a bushfire through her mind as she punched the mattress out of frustration, I lost everything, who gives a crap?

Through the haze of the pain, she’d heard the whip crack as it snaked through the air and bit deep into Alex’s skin. Twenty strokes, without a single sound from his lips. Punishment for breaking the final’s rules. Rules that he’d broken because of her failure. She’d be dead if it weren’t for him. Now he was gone.

You had a visitor while you were asleep.

Her heart raced, maybe he hadn’t left her. She attempted to sit, but the agony forced her to lie back down.

The nurse began to wrap a clean bandage in place, It was your sister, Lady Millhaven. She left that for you.

The nurse pointed to a vase holding a single chrysanthemum standing to attention and smiling down at her. The official flower of Millhaven House. A reminder of all she’d turned her back on when she’d walked through the doors of the Killing Grounds to start her training. Her stomach turned and bile flooded her throat. Swallowing hard she asked, Was she alone?

She was.

Then take it away.

You need to eat, Lady Millhaven.

What was the point in eating? He should have let me die. Just go away.

The nurse shrugged and walked off pushing the tray. The doctors had tried to reason with her, force her, and even threaten her to eat. She’d managed to punch one of them in the throat, after that, they left her alone.

Three senior lords had interrogated her shortly after the finals. They’d used an Artist to heal her enough to keep her awake. She swore two things that day. One; find that Artist and put a blade to his throat and two; no magical healing. It was a test, if the universe wanted her to survive then she’d heal naturally, if not, she’d die and to hell with the rest of the world.

She tried to sit, but the pain forced her to lie back, Just let me die. Her eyes closed. The finals, it all started with the finals. She gave into the pain, He should have just left me to die. Sleep wrapped her in its cloak of stillness, but the nightmare could not be denied…

...Six lay dead at Lucinda’s feet; he’d tried to run, that was his first and last mistake. One down. Blood dripped from her blade as she pulled it clear of the apprentice Assassin’s neck. She left the body draped across the blood red corridor carpet. The corpse cart would take care of the rest. He was no match for her speed and agility, Nine left. Wiping the sweat away from her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt she took a moment to rest. Breathing deeply helped to slow her heart rate; any mistake would end her first life and sentence her to all eternity working in the mines beneath the city.

The winter sun shone through the window to her left, casting shadows on the wall. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted movement. Her body tensed as her hand drew back ready to throw the blood-stained blade. She spun around and came face to face with her next challenge. The Assassin stepped out of the shadows and tossed his blade end over end. She smiled and began the dance. Carefully she circled him, looking for an opening. Their eyes locked onto each other. He attacked with the speed and dexterity of a seasoned Assassin. Her hands dropped to her side as death reached out for her. She felt his hands on her body and tasted the sweat on his lips. I missed you last night.

As did I.

Lucinda stared into Alex’s eyes, I love you.

I love you more. He kissed her again, this time deeper and with more passion.

If we get out of here alive, I’ll be yours forever.

The claxon sounded in the distance signifying another death. A flock of birds took flight from their roost on the windowsill. Both Assassins pushed away from each other, He’s above us.

Back to work, you know how it is, first come—first kill! Lucinda ran to the stairwell and started to climb.

Alex was on her heels, Be careful, Luci, that could be Gideon up there.

Then he’d better watch out. She pushed on harder, spinning around the corners then taking the final flight two steps at a time. She knew Alex could easily beat her to the landing, if he chose to, Get a move on, lazy ass!

Just be careful.

Come on, there’s only a few left and I want to beat Alara to the prize.

It could be her, Alex said as they came to a halt on the landing.

No chance, she’d never give her position away so easily. Lucinda burst through the door as two blades fizzed past her head and clattered against the wall inches from Alex’s shoulder. She used her momentum to tuck into a ball and roll out. Two more blades missed their mark as the enemy Assassin slipped into a room, closing the door behind him. Lucinda stood up and pressed her back up against the wall next to the door. Alex mirrored her stance on the opposite side. She scanned the room looking for blank spots where the Assassin could be hiding.

Only one blank, what an amateur!

He has no talent; he’s being aided. This looks like a trap. As she reached for the door handle Alex stopped her, Wait, this doesn’t feel right.

When does it ever? She pushed him away and kicked the door open. Three blades left her hand at lightning speed, but all hit empty air. Her shield cast failed as the door slammed shut behind her. A blade clipped her knee and clattered to the floor.

Luci! Alex cried out as he pounded on the door.

The hours of training kicked in, Lucinda dived for cover and scanned the room. Four blanks, the Assassin could be hiding anywhere.

Got you, Death whispered into her ear as he pressed the blade to her throat.

She was beaten but adrenaline flowed through her body, heightening her senses and fuelling her blood-lust, Then get on with it!

I’ve always wondered what a high and mighty Millhaven tasted like, he sneered as he licked the side of her face. What would that pretty face look like without eyes, eh?

Fuck you!

No, I don’t think so! The blade was cold and razor sharp, it bit deep into her skin. Lucinda screamed a battle cry and fought to free herself from his grip. You’re going nowhere, highborn! He made a grab for her free hand and forced her arm up her back, and as the bone snapped she screamed again.

Alex burst through the door and crashed into the Assassin’s back. The blade slid up her face cutting into her forehead. Luci!

Alex! she screamed as the knife dragged across her eye and down her face.

Alex let loose a blade, catching the attacker on the shoulder and as the Assassin crumpled to the floor the blade dragged a vicious bloodline through her lips. She screamed and clutched at her face. As her body gave in she collapsed to the ground and felt Alex’s arm wrap around her, I’ve got you, Luci.

Kill that bastard!

Both Assassins drew a blade, but they were too slow, their assailant was already on the offensive. One blade caught Alex in the bicep, the other embedded itself deep into Lucinda’s stomach. Blood poured from the wound. Die! she screamed and let another blade fly from her hand. It missed by an arm’s length, but Alex’s aim was true and his black knife burrowed deep into the Assassin’s neck. Death was instant.

Alex cradled Lucinda in his arms, Luci, hold on!

The final claxon sounded. Lucinda closed her eyes as the sound of her lover’s screams faded into the darkness.

***

Lucinda fought her way back through the fog of the dream. The clock ticked, the pain throbbed, but nothing had changed. Each movement of the minute hand felt like a nail being hammered into her skull. She sent a weak mindblast that shattered the glass and stopped the hands, but the aching continued.

Doubt and depression weighed heavy on her mind. Should I just self-retire and give up? I’m a failure, without friends or family. Tears welled in her good eye as her emotions built. Alex doesn’t love me. She rolled onto her uninjured side and curled into a ball as the tears soaked her pillow.

Are you okay, Lady Millhaven?

She ignored the nurse. Lady Millhaven? I haven’t been a lady since those bastards sent me here three years ago. And now what do I have to show for it? Nothing!

Try to heal yourself. The doctors can only do so much, dear.

I should have kept my gift a secret! It’s their fault! Damn them! If it wasn’t for them, I would never have met Alex in the first place! Her feelings of love for Alex started to turn to disgust.

You need to eat and get strong. The nurse left her.

No, it’s not their fault, it’s Alara’s! She retired my friends. Why did I believe in her stupid cause? I was happier on my own, wasn’t I? I should have killed them both and fought my own battle to top five. But I still love him. Memories of how he held her in his arms cheered her a little. But he didn’t come back; he promised me we’d be together! I need to know what happened.

She slowly sat up and used her toes to search for her slippers. The pain was excruciating but she needed answers. Pushing herself to her feet, she took a step toward the hospital doors.

Lady Millhaven! the nurse shouted from her station and rushed to her side.

Lucinda threw up a shield to protect her from any Artist attacks and slowly crossed the wardroom. The Quartermaster will have answers!

Lady Millhaven, I must insist you get back into bed immediately. The hole in your stomach hasn’t healed enough for you to walk; if you rip the stitches in your face you’ll be permanently disfigured. The nurse took her by the arm and tried to walk her back towards her bed.

The pain in Lucinda’s belly was unbearable, she dropped her shield and leant on the nurse. It’s Miss Millhaven, she said through gritted teeth. Get me to the Quartermaster.

I am afraid that’s not possible, you’ll bleed out on the way. If you heal yourself, you could make the trip in a couple of days.

Then bring him to me!

I’ll do my best, Miss Millhaven, the nurse helped her back to the bed. Relax and heal.

Maybe I should just do what they want, I need answers. I need Alex! She sent a healing wave through her body; it was weak, but she could feel the slightest improvement.

The nurse stroked her forehead with a damp towel as the healing wave pulsated beneath her fingers. That’s the way girl; you’re an Assassin and a fighter, so fight.

Get me the Quartermaster, she paused, please.

The nurse smiled, Focus on healing, I’ll see what I can do, deal?

Lucinda took a deep breath and focused what little power she had on her injuries. Deal.

***

The Quartermaster was waiting at her bedside when she opened her eyes. She struggled to stand and salute the senior lord, as was protocol.

At ease, Millhaven, he said putting a hand on her shoulder. A hint of a smile crossed his lips.

Lucinda wiped the sleep out of her eyes, Quartermaster, thank you for seeing me.

The grizzled old Assassin wore his normal grey camouflage fatigues and when he spoke his chest rose and fell like a mighty bear, The nurse tells me that you’ve started the healing process, it’s about damn time.

Yes, Sir. I have questions; I was hoping…

Ask then.

I remember Black retiring the last boy and then everything is just a grey blur. What happened, Sir? She left out the part that she knew that Alex had been disciplined for helping her as a test of his honesty.

The Quartermaster looked at her for a long time before saying, Maybe you should rest up and heal, I’ll come and visit you later.

She held out a hand as the old man turned to walk away. Sir, please! I have to know.

The Quartermaster paused and then turned back. There was a massacre at The Great Fort.

What happened?

"Several of our Guild were permanently retired, including Lord Sirap and Lord Basel. The Blacks were holding Lord Osari prisoner and Du Preeze took it upon herself to rescue him, with the help of your brother.

Bastian?

Indeed. The Quartermaster raised his eyebrows, Black took a severe beating at the hands of his brother but was rescued by his mother before the killing blow could be administered.

His mother?

Sable. Lord Black and the witch had a secret tryst, Alex was the result. Last time I saw him he was in a whole world of hurt, both physically and mentally. Du Preeze took a hell of a beating, but she managed to rescue Lord Osari and she hasn’t left his bedside since.

Sable has Alex?

Yes, we fear he’s lost to the Guild. I’m sorry, Miss Millhaven; I know you three were close.

Thank you, Quartermaster.

One other thing, Miss Millhaven, do you remember what happened after you took the blade to your stomach?

No, Sir.

Black retired the boy…permanently. He removed his head and threw it from the window into the courtyard, and his screams were heard throughout the Killing Grounds. Black’s actions were against Guild laws and he was sentenced to thirty lashes, ten of those were suspended due to his exemplary record, but the other twenty were administered. You should know that he didn’t cry out once, he stood and took his punishment like a man. You should be very proud of him.

Yes, Sir.

Now heal, girl. I’ve managed to keep your family out of the Killing Grounds, but they’ve forced my hand and insisted on seeing you. They will be arriving this morning.

Lucinda groaned, Yes, Sir, and thank you again, Sir.

Get well, Miss Millhaven, he stroked her forehead and left.

She reached out with her mind to try and contact Alara but the effort was too much. Lucinda needed to know details of what happened at House Black and the Arian Assassin was the only one she trusted to give her the exact story. Alex was alive, but he was with Sable. It was time to heal and get out of the hospital to visit the man she loved.

***

Lucinda heard her visitor before she laid eyes on her. Lady Millhaven bellowed orders at the nurses like a female elephant trumpeting at a competitor. The nurses did their level best to ignore the woman whilst being as polite as possible. Lucinda turned to see the commotion. Her mother, dressed in her formal business garb, marched up to the bed. Good morning, Lady Millhaven, Lucinda said without enthusiasm.

My dearest child, how are you feeling?

I’m fine, Mother, she could feel the woman’s fake concern. Why are you here?

Do I need an excuse to visit my youngest daughter while she lies on her deathbed, rotting away like a carcass baking under the desert sun?

The woman had gone from elephant to snake in one easy transition. I’m not dying Mother, and you forget that my talents allow me to sense what you’re feeling. Do not insult me by pretending to be the doting parent that you are not. Now get to the point.

Lady Millhaven straightened up, So be it, girl. Your father requires you to return home and work for the family House.

So why doesn’t he ask me himself?

Your father is a very busy man!

Too busy to visit his daughter in the hospital? The answer is no, now go away, Mother, if you please. Lucinda rolled to her right and turned her back.

Don’t dismiss me, girl, the woman reached out for Lucinda’s shoulder, and she threw up a shield that knocked Lady Millhaven back three steps. You always were an insufferable child!

Father always said I took after my mother, and if you ever touch me again I’ll hurt you in ways you can’t even imagine. Lucinda rolled back to look at her mother, rule number one of being an Assassin; always look at someone when you’re threatening them.

Lady Millhaven didn’t back down, I could have a bounty placed on your head and you’d never make it out of this fleapit of a hospital.

Then do it and leave me alone.

The old woman took a deep breath, No, that would be bad for the family name.

Why? You left me here to die once before!

Now that is just a lie. We had full confidence in your abilities to survive; you’re a Millhaven and Millhavens prevail.

You really believe that, don’t you?

Of course I do. You have exceeded all our expectations, but enough is enough and you have paid your penance. It’s time to come home.

Penance for what exactly?

For being…you know…one of them. Lady Millhaven turned up her nose, But no matter, you are forgiven.

One of them? You gave birth to me you old trout! I never asked for the gift, and it was probably you or father that gave me this curse! She started crying again but it was the pain in her face that caused the tears to fall, not the venom in her mother’s words.

No need to get so upset, Lucinda darling, that’s all in the past and we forgive you.

The answer is still no, now go away, Mother, and don’t bother coming back.

Very well, but think about this, there is more than one bounty I could pay for. Maybe Alex Black would be a better choice? The elderly stateswoman bent to kiss her daughter's forehead but only managed to get halfway before she took her leave of the hospital ward.

Lucinda scanned her mother as she left but the woman showed no emotion about her intentions to have Alex retired. It mattered not; she had to get out of the hospital as soon as possible. Alex was all she cared about. If she was close to him then she could protect him from any attempt on his life initiated from Lady Millhaven or anyone else.

Two

It was two days before Lucinda received her next visitor. The healing was a slow process, but the stitches in her stomach had sealed the wound enough for her to walk short distances without collapsing. Her face, still wrapped in bandages, showed no improvement. When her mother had walked into the ward, she felt the doom and gloom that accompanied the old woman. Her new visitor had the opposite effect. Her elder brother, Bastian, greeted everyone with a warm smile and a kind word. Her mother was an iceberg in a sea of misery, but Bastian was a welcoming fire on a cold winter’s night, Hello, Brother.

My dearest Sister, he leant over and kissed her forehead. You look beautiful.

I’ve missed you, Bas.

I haven’t heard that name in an age, Cinds. Takes me back to when we were kids playing in the orchard at the back of the house.

She looked deep into Bastian’s eyes, What happened to us, Bas? We were happy once, weren’t we?

We were, Sister.

Bastian was the only member of the family to stick up for her when she developed her powers. Her elder sister, Penelope, flip-flopped from one opinion to another and both parents were openly aggressive towards her. Only Bastian stood by her side. He threatened to sign up at the Killing Grounds himself should they decide to send Lucinda. Many angry threats and heated arguments followed until Lucinda stepped in and convinced Bastian to back down. She would go and face the Assassins alone.

I’m glad to see you, Bas, but why are you here?

First things first. Be honest with me; how are you doing?

I’ve been better, but I’ll survive. Did they send you here to talk me into coming home?

Yes.

And are you going to ask me?

No, you’re a strong woman who can make her own decisions. I just wanted a reason to come and see you without raising any eyebrows at Millhaven House, he smiled at her. You know what Father’s like, insufferable old git.

Thanks, Bas, she sighed aloud, what are my real options? At least I know you’ll give it to me straight from the hip and not pussyfoot around like Mother.

I think it’s time to come home, Cinds. The city’s powerhouses are splitting into factions. We’re going to need you if we are to beat Sable’s coalition for the Killing Grounds.

For the Killing Grounds? What are you talking about?

Sorry, Sis, I thought that they would have told you. House Black was ceded to the Assassins Guild along with the management of the Great Fort. The Killing Grounds is up for sale, and it’s attracting all the normal buzzards, plus interest from a few foreign consortiums. Your Guild will be ready to move within a few months, but your place is at home, with us.

My loyalty is to my Guild.

Your loyalty should be to your name and the future of our House. Father and Mother won’t be around forever. I need you, Cinds; we have no internal family security.

You have Du Preeze.

No, she works for the Junior Council. I’m talking about family security. We’ve already had three attempts on Mother’s life.

Shame they missed, I wouldn’t have been so slack!

Cinds, the bounties were not given to your Guild for actioning; they came from outside the city.

Oh, well, that’s different, but I can’t do it, Bas. They hate me and to be quite honest the feeling’s mutual.

Before you make your mind up let me explain what will happen. You’ll stay in the west wing with me; the old buzzards never leave the east wing and slum it to my side of the building. Pen loves to stay near the garden in the south wing. You’ll only be called on for certain events when you’ll be on official House business.

I can’t just leave my Guild hanging in the wind.

You heard what they did to your friend?

Yes, Guild laws are very clear about the punishment for his crime.

There’s talk of them naming you as an accomplice, and the punishment for that is the same as he received.

Bastian’s expression was open and honest, but she could never tell if he was lying or telling the truth. I’ll live with that sentence if that’s what it takes.

The family name is at stake, not just the skin on your back. They’ll label you a murderer.

Lucinda thought for a while, I’m not scared of the punishment and I don’t give a damn about the family name, but to have the word murderess attached to my name is unacceptable. She stood up, Help me get dressed, Brother; it’s time to visit the Quartermaster and get this shit sorted out.

***

It was a painful but quick journey to the Quartermaster’s office. Lucinda had come close to falling to the ground twice but Bastian had steadied her and helped her walk. She knocked on the old Assassin’s door and waited for the angry response.

Come, he shouted from inside the office.

Bastian pulled up a chair for his sister and stood behind her after greeting the grizzled officer of the Guild.

What can I do for you, Miss Millhaven?

Am I to be labelled as an accomplice to murder, Sir?

The old man raised an eyebrow and looked at Bastian, Interfering with Guild business will not end well for you, Lord Millhaven.

I think that telling my sister what your Guild is proposing for her is partly my family business, as it reflects very much on the Millhaven name. I have every right to say whatever I think is pertinent on this matter.

Your name carries little weight within this Guild. You’ll have no say as to Miss Millhaven’s innocence or guilt.

You seem to be missing the point entirely. With respect Quartermaster, your Guild’s view on punishment is barbaric and not in line with city and state laws. But that is neither here nor there, at the end of the day she is my sister and I’ll do all I can to protect her.

Really, where have you been for the last three years?

Bastian leant forward aggressively, Watching!

The Quartermaster stood up and drew a blade.

Stop, both of you, please, Lucinda had had enough of the bickering. Just calm down and answer my question please Quartermaster. She could see the anger on the Assassin’s face, but he did as she asked.

The matter hasn’t been settled yet, but if you want my opinion you will be charged and brought in front of the Guild Council for sentencing once you are fit enough to take the punishment. The laws are very clear on this matter, Alex Black admitted to taking the boy’s head because he thought you to be dead. If you had used the skills gained during your apprenticeship when attacking the boy and not just showboating for your boyfriend, things would have turned out very differently. You didn’t consider the consequences, and the boy lost his head, all because of poor planning. You have been deemed directly responsible for the permanent retirement. More so than Alex Black, in many minds.

Lucinda hung her head. She knew that there was no way of getting close enough to the Council to give her view on the matter. The Guild would have used the designated spotter's version of events, and the only time she would be called on was to be sentenced. She sighed, When exactly?

Three days from now.

Then I have no option but to resign my position at the Killing Grounds with immediate effect.

The Guild always comes first, Miss Millhaven, take your punishment and move on.

Don’t you think I’ve suffered enough, Sir?

Perhaps, but you still have a home here. You have proven your worth.

And be labelled an accomplice to murder? No thank you, Quartermaster.

Then so be it. You will be required to vacate the premises by midnight tonight. Now if there’s nothing else, Miss Millhaven?

I believe her official title is Lady Millhaven, Quartermaster, Bastian slid back the chair and Lucinda stood.

The Quartermaster sneered, Indeed! Goodbye, Lady Millhaven, and the Guild thanks you for your service.

Lucinda sighed again, Thank you, Sir. She managed to stand and salute the old man.

Dismissed.

***

It had taken all of Lucinda’s strength to ready herself for Bastian’s arrival and her imminent departure from the Killing Grounds. The sadness was beginning to take its toll, and she’d broken down three times during the wait. She’d lied to the nurses when they’d rushed to her side to offer comfort, stating that it was the pain in her stomach causing the tears to flow. Her mood sank even deeper when her mother and sister waltzed into the ward instead of Bastian. The nurses ran for cover as they heard the two Lady Millhavens approaching. One young nurse quickly ran to Lucinda’s side, kissed her on the cheek and wished her luck before disappearing.

Where on earth is all of the help? her mother shouted as she closed in on Lucinda’s bed.

Her sister was quicker on her feet and was at Lucinda’s side long before her mother, Bastian sends his deepest apologies but something important came up within the Junior Council. Bear with me, Sis, if I could have come alone would have, I promise.

Lucinda growled, If I had the strength, I’d retire the old bag pro bono.

Lady Millhaven reached the bed and started giving orders to both girls.

Mother! Penelope turned on the old woman. Please take a step back, you promised that you’d be friendly.

That’s preposterous, I never promised such a thing, girl.

Lucinda drew a blade from her waistband and tossed it in the air; her mother watched open-mouthed as the blade turned end over end. I was placed third in my class in both accuracy and power. I’ve been falsely accused of murder once today, I wonder if I would be rightfully accused if I retired you. Do you ever wonder if there’s a bounty on your head?

Lady Millhaven took two steps back, Don’t be ridiculous.

You call a trained Assassin ridiculous? Even with this, she pointed to her left eye, I could kill you in a millisecond. Now go wait in the carriage; we’ll be out shortly. The old woman opened her mouth to speak, Lucinda let fly the blade that sailed through the air and sliced through the pearl earring hanging from her mother’s left earlobe. The old woman gasped and bent down to pick up the jewels from the floor. Lucinda drew another blade and waited for her mother to look up. You have no power over me, Mother. Do as I say and wait in the carriage.

Lady Millhaven scrambled to pick up the pearls before leaving the ward, mumbling as she went.

Sorry, Cinds. I can’t control her like you. She’s a horrid bully, and I swear she hates me.

Hate her back; it works for me.

Penelope shrugged and sighed, I’m not as strong as you, I wish I could stand up to her.

She’s a blustery old hen that has bossed over the chicken coop for far too long.

Two Millhaven servants came into the ward and collected Lucinda’s footlocker. Time to go.

A lump formed in Lucinda’s throat as a tear ran down her face. The Killing Grounds had been her home and, unlike Millhaven House, a home that had welcomed her and nurtured her talents. She’d proved her worth and been awarded full membership, but the price she would have to pay was too high.

They reached the front door before Lucinda stopped, I’ve never been through this door before. I imagined it to feel different to this.

Penelope pushed the revolving door in a slow arc, allowing for Lucinda’s fragile state, before following her and taking her weight as they descended the stone stairs.

Lucinda took one final look at the building that had been her home for the last three years, but no one was looking back. Goodbye, she said quietly to herself and climbed into the carriage.

Lucinda sat on the opposite side of her mother with her back to the rear wall and looked out toward the common where she and Alex once trained together. Lady Millhaven opened her mouth to speak, but Lucinda held up a finger and pointed to her blade belt, Hush, old woman, I’m tired and need to rest. She closed her eyes as Penelope sat down next to her and knocked on the wall to signal to the carriage driver to leave.

Lucinda took a deep breath and concentrated on her healing process, but her mind kept coming back to the fact that she had lost another thing that she loved. Now she was back to square one, in a family that she dreaded being a part of, with no friends and no Alex Black by her side. She untied the scarf from her head, wrapped it around both eyes and silently wept.

Three

Lucinda removed the scarf from her face as she felt the carriage rumble over the stone pathway that snaked through the grounds of the Millhaven estate. As the house came into view she banged on the rear wall of the carriage and climbed out as it came to a stop, I need time alone. The air was crisp and cold and fogged as she exhaled, Move on, driver.

Millhaven house, with its red brick walls and ivy-covered exterior blanket, loomed large ahead. Gingerly, she limped along the driveway toward the place of her childhood. She’d always loved the house, with its twenty-eight rooms and a myriad of kitchens, bathrooms and meeting halls. She’d explored each one with Bastian at her side, playing chase, and hide and seek. At the time it seemed magical, now it was a monstrously cold fortress full of nothing but sour memories. What are you doing? she asked herself.

Sitting on the bench outside the main entrance, she picked the small stones out of the grooves in her boots. She was met at the door by a parlour boy who offered to escort her to Bastian’s wing, but one growl chased the boy away. She stood motionless for a moment, breathing in the atmosphere and mentally scanning the building. Her father was busy writing at his desk in the upstairs office; her mother was scolding one of the kitchen staff while Penelope helped with stabling the horses. There was no sign of Bastian.

Not wanting to run into any of them, she walked back out of the house and made her way to the west wing of the building. Bastian had been true to his word and emptied the entire bottom floor. The servants were busying themselves with her luggage; she shooed them away and collapsed into a red leather chair. Along with her footlocker from the Killing Grounds they had brought all her belongings from her childhood rooms on the third floor.

Three nurses filed into the room and stood in front of her. Good morning, my Lady, they said in unison.

Go away. She felt a little guilty for being so abrupt but she wanted to be left in peace.

Yes, my Lady. All three walked in single file out of the room, reminding her of a line of geese waddling off together.

The constant bowing and scraping that her father and mother insisted upon made her feel ill at ease. Life in the Guild was regimented and controlled; life at Millhaven House was anything but.

***

After two weeks of rest and recuperation, Lucinda was out of bed and mobile enough to meet with the family to discuss business matters, she’d put it off until the very last moment, but Bastian badgered her daily to, ‘get back on the horse.’ Her stomach injury had healed well and her core strength was growing day by day. She felt that with another week’s worth of physiotherapy and meditation she’d be back to full fighting strength. Her eye and face were another matter. The eye was still clouded with blood and the family doctor told her that there was nothing else he could do and advised her to have it removed, she declined the offer fervently. The slash down the left side had become infected twice. The once clean cut now looked like an aerial view of a canyon. Her skin became dry and tight and drew her lip up into a permanent snarl which made her lisp slightly when she got upset.

Father’s called for a meeting at four this afternoon, Bastian said as he poured a cup of coffee from the pot in the breakfast room.

Fine. I have some of my own business to bring to the table.

And that would be?

Brother, I love you and I appreciate the way you have looked after me, but I need my own space.

What do you have in mind?

The empty storage barn at the rear of the property would be sufficient for my needs. It’s close enough to the house if there’s an emergency and far enough to keep Mother and Father away. Not that they would slum it where the servants might be found.

Bastian sat next to her at the breakfast table and placed his hand on hers. They won’t be happy with you living in a barn, Cinds. You are a Lady, and the servants should see you as a Lady.

Relax, Brother; I’ll have it cleaned out and furnished to my needs.

Then at least let me sort out the refurbishment. I can have plans drawn up by this evening and you can propose the idea to the rest of the family.

Thank you, Bas.She unwound the bandage from around her head, removed the gauze from her eye and showed her brother the damage. "How does it look?

Not good, do you have much pain?

Yes, but it’s nothing I can’t manage. I’m not sure that I want to keep these bandages on for much longer; I seem to heal quicker without them. I would have got rid of them before now but I don’t want to scare the servants.

And the parents…

I don’t give a damn about them!

Relax, Sister, I don’t think you should hide away from anyone. Have you thought of a long-term strategy for the wounds?

You mean am I going to remove my eye? No, I most certainly am not, and I can’t wear dark glasses and still be on the ball with security. So I’m left with limited options. I’m going into the city today once I’ve changed my dressing. I’ll look for something there.

Would you like some company?

Lucinda laughed, "You want to walk through the city at the side of