Severance

By Devon Ellington

When Riker Cain walks into Linn Shek's bar, he kills the man sent to assassinate Linn by an old enemy. At that moment, Linn knows her past as Eidolinn Sheekagh, the Annym Roosteyr (dispatcher of souls), has come back to haunt her and the team that dissolved to protect each other fifteen years ago after a mission went wrong.. A team that is now all dead, except for her. And Riker has a connection to that past mission. . .

A science fiction horror western novelette.

Content Warning: This story deals with abuse, child abuse, mutilation, and murder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DEW Books
• Release date: Jan 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224574353

Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington publishes under half a dozen names in fiction and nonfiction. She is also an internationally-produced playwright and radio writer. She has published six novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles under the various names. She spent over 25 years working backstage in theatre, including Broadway, and in film and television production. 

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Iknew he was trouble the minute he walked into my bar. He came in with a quiet confidence, not an arrogant swagger, but there was something about him that warned me I was in for a rough night. My fault for not making sure the door was locked after I’d escorted a drunken group of Yurkins out. They weren’t bad guys, just out for night of reverie and not good at holding their liquor. I didn’t expect any new customers at this late hour. The town was quiet; no rumors reached us of approaching trouble.

I had a single customer left at a corner table, nursing a tankard of summer ale. He’d purchased enough over the course of the evening that I didn’t mind letting him take his time while Corwin, Raisa, and I cleaned up. Corwin wiped down tables and placed the stools and benches on top of them; when he completed that task, he’d mop the floors. Raisa washed glasses and took inventory in the bar. We’d re-stock before we opened the next afternoon.

I had the ledger out, balancing the books, frowning as I worked. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it; I simply didn’t like it. However, the bar made a solid profit. Even in lean times, people need to come out and have a drink to forget their troubles for a few hours. And I like the life. Raisa, Corwin, and the staff could deal with the customers. I could stay in the background or come out and be sociable, as I chose. I’d been here long enough people treated me as though I belonged.

Until he came into my bar, and everything went to hell.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, narrow-hipped, near my age. His hair was dark, with a slight wave to it, a little longer than was the fashion, but not so long as to pretend rebellion. His eyes were the lightest blue I’ve ever seen. He wore jeans, a loose shirt, a vest, and a gray-green, full-length duster. He was armed, but so was everyone; these were dangerous times. I had no doubt he had extra weapons stashed in his boot; I certainly did.

He entered the room, looked around, and walked slowly over to the bar.

We’re closed, said Raisa.

He looked at the man in the corner. The man lifted his head and stared. Fear and recognition swept over his face. He reached for his weapon. Before it even cleared his holster, the newcomer fired. The customer jerked backward against the wall and slumped down.

Once through the heart doesn’t leave a lot of mess, I said.

He was sent here to kill you, said my intruder.

At least he paid for his drinks before he tried it.

Check his pocket. You’ll find the bounty letter.

I gave him an exasperated look and walked over to the body. My customer was dead, so I didn’t have to worry about any second attempts. The stranger was thorough. I pushed aside the customer’s coat and reached into the pocket. A slender, sealed parchment lay against his now-still chest. I pulled it out.

Tarank’s seal, I said.

He’s still angry at you, Eidolinn.

No one calls me that anymore. No one has for a long time. I walked over to the bar. Raisa, I think we all need a strong drink.

She nodded, put four shot glasses on the bar and poured the deep amber liquid into them. The stranger downed his, and Raisa refilled it.

I broke the seal on the parchment and spread it out. It was a typical decree from a rich son-of-a-bitch stating he’d paid this bounty hunter ten thousand kranas to kill me, with an additional ten thousand upon proof the job was completed. Legislation was in the works (but still unpassed) to make assassination illegal, even with a pledge—but at least the local law would have known whom to call to pay bail.

Kind of insulting that I’m only worth twenty thousand kranas, I said.

The stranger shrugged. Tarank decided not to go top of the line.

Corwin, go and get Sherra, would you? I asked.

The boy nodded. He sidled past the stranger and ran out of the tavern, letting the door slam behind him.

You removed his slave mark, the stranger commented.

I bought him at the slave market on Orval, I said. Once I pay the price, I can do what I want. He’s my apprentice now. I looked at him. Were you sent to kill me, too?

He shook his head. No.

"Are you