It took far longer than it should have, but eventually Kalente judged her work complete and allowed Stathis to leave, somehow having arranged for a carriage to convey her to her destination. As she arrived, there was the usual flock of nobles and attendants already present, her outfit sufficient alone to allow her into the castle grounds, where Brina was waiting for her.

From Brina’s expression, she clearly approved of the outfit, and she’d dressed up as well, with a few bells strung through her braided hair, her dress short, along with a wide leather cincher around her waist, hopefully hiding several knives. Stathis’ own weapon had been taken off her at the door, polite but very insistent guards taking weapons off everyone, although she had a dagger hidden beneath her suit jacket.

It was already dark outside, the only light coming from torches, the fire flaring and flickering, casting everything in uncertain light. Expensive-looking ornaments hung on the walls, gilt and brass barely visible except as soft gleams in the shadows. The party was muted, with lots of people standing around, trading polite small talk, while very pointedly not saying anything of importance, any mention of the city stopped by a series of coughs and sudden changes of topic. Compared to the grime and dirt of the lower city, everything here was clean and tidy, all the guests immaculate, or at least deliberately tousled, the mess the result of an artful valet or maid rather than poverty.

A string quartet began to play, not very well, giving Brina the chance to speak without being overheard. ‘I think most everyone thinks I’m Captain Awdelly’s lover, makes it easier to get places like this. Not that he’s actually married or anythin’, but you know what nobles are like. Don’t think he’s even got a fiancée or anythin’, but just meetin’ up with someone for some fun isn’t allowed. Not that you or your sister ever followed those rules! So, you gonna tell him who you are?’

‘We’ll see, but I’d rather not, just in case. Guess that’s the Duke?’ Stathis nodded at a tall, thin man sat atop a raised dais, goblet of wine in hand, watching the crowd with cold eyes, barely moving. He didn’t look like a fighter, but had a shortsword sheathed at his waist, clashing with his otherwise fancy and courtly clothing. Stood next to him was an impassive-faced young man staring into the middle distance, strong-looking but unarmed, despite his entire demeanour screaming ‘bodyguard’.

‘Yeah, he’s kind of a dick.’ Brina curtseyed as a pair of nobles passed by, Stathis remembering after a moment to bow herself. ‘Choking the life out of this place, bit by bit. Dunno why, but it’s either him or his advisors. He keeps throwin’ these parties – no-one knows why. I thought there would be a secret orgy room or somethin’, but not heard of it, an’ you’d think someone pretty as me would get invited, rather than some hacknosed noble bint! He has private meetings with some, but if they are fuckin’, they’re doing it damn quietly. There’s a bit ‘o backstabbin’, but mostly just bitchin’ and whinin’ in private. Weirder than if it was all “secret police” and stuff. Don’t think he’s got any weird mind magic stuff goin’ on, but I’ve been avoidin’ him just in case. Don’t wanna end up like Grey Davan!’

‘No rebels or anything?’ Stathis looked around. Despite the chatter, most of the groups were distinctly clustered, far enough from each other for it to be obvious, and also far enough from each other that they couldn’t accidentally eavesdrop. Although there weren’t the usual colour markings or anything obvious to show what the groupings were, making things harder to judge.

‘Nothin’ that organised. The lower city ain’t happy, but not got anything to rally around. The gangs are kickin’ up a fuss, but he paid off a few of the big ones, kept the others in line. The Duke’s either sneaky or lazy – nothin’ big, just bleedin’ everything dry, bit by bit, crim’s just uppin’ and vanishin’. Don’t know what it’s even goin’ on, he’s not rollin’ in gold or anything. And see that behind him?’ She nodded, as subtly as she could, at his chair, where an ornate golden disc was held in the wood, with an ornately-worked gap, about the size of a fist. ‘That’s the Shield of Tiriylis. Never goes anywhere without it. Old ‘n magical, apparently Tiriylis was some fighter back in olden days, killed a load ‘o demons, spawned his line, all that guff. Used to have something shiny in it, but the Ghost Spider nicked that a few years back, right before the fires.’ There was a ripple of movement, as everyone turned to look towards the entrance. ‘That’s Awdelly. He’s a flirt and a bit of a womaniser, so it’s going to be easier if you pretend to be with him ‘n me. If you want to get fully into the role and try and convince him, it would make it more convincing.’ She ran a hand up Stathis’ arm and looked up at her, smiling. ‘Course, you want to get really into it, you could flirt with me, get some practice in.’

‘Thanks for the offer, but maybe that can wait until later.’ There was a moving aura of bows and curtsies in the crowd, moving towards them. A man emerged from the crowd, armour clean but functional and not too polished, a relaxed smile on his face.

‘Brina, my dear, you are always a pleasure to see.’ He embraced her, strongly enough to pull her off her feet as they kissed. He let Brina go, turning to face Stathis. ‘And you’ve bought your friend, how thoughtful.’ His smile broadened as he looked at Stathis. ‘I have not yet had the pleasure, but I’m sure that will be remedied shortly.’ He winked. ‘I am Captain Dalin Awdelly. Little Brina here has been very enthusiastic about vouching for your skills. I do hope your visit will be pleasurable, for both of us.’

He stepped in closer, barely an inch shorter than Stathis, clear brown eyes staring into her own. ‘Stathis, I believe? Brina told me a bit about you.’ He stood between the two of them, Brina taking one of his arms, Stathis pausing before taking the other, unaccustomed to being a hanger-on. Rubbing against him, she could feel the denseness of his arms – he must have decent training and skill. They moved, but slowly, so that he could show them off, people whispering behind their hands as he shook hands and bowed to those he knew, Stathis smiling and trying to remember faces and names. As they moved towards a group of people, he whispered quietly. ‘So, a mercenary? Well, there’s certainly worse places to come to, and I could certainly do with another good sword in the guard. The city is a bit rough at the moment, but we do what we can.’

The group they joined looked minor, the usual courtiers and flunkies that gathered around any power. They expanded their circle to allow entrance. One of them, a well-dressed men in his middle years, with his own arm around a woman young enough to be his daughter, and wearing something that even Janaxia would probably consider skimpy and trashy, gave a slight bow.

‘Dalin, a pleasure! And you seem to have found another beauty? Quite how you find the time, with the city being what it is, I simply don’t know. Little Malina here keeps me busy enough by herself.’ The woman giggled and simpered, while giving Stathis a warning glare. ‘If this is the calibre of recruit the watch now attracts, well, it’s quite a change from my day. All rather plain fellows back then, at least that I remember, rather more broken noses than beauties. You seem to have been on something of a recruitment drive recently. All in a good cause, no doubt.’

‘Stathis here is indeed looking for a post in the watch. I thought it appropriate to introduce her to a few of the movers and shakers of the city. She has quite a lot of potential, although is a little rough around the edges. I’m sure I’ll be able to show her the wonders of the city though.’

Stathis looked over the rest of the group – all looked like the rather tiresome flunkies and bureaucrats she tried to avoid, potentially skilled at organising, but mostly content to hang back and not get involved when anything happened. She made herself smile, leaning slightly into Dalin. At least if something happened, he might be able to fight and be helpful. ‘I heard it’s a decent posting here. And the Captain has been good enough to show me around.’

‘Oh yes, I’ve been showing her everything, so she has a through knowledge of all relevant details.’ Dalin laughed, the group following along, Stathis managing a few fake chuckles. As he spoke Dalin’s arm dropped from hers, wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer in. ‘I think she has all the qualities needed to be a fine guard, don’t you?’

Brina simpered from the other side, what was hopefully pretend jealously on her face. ‘Don’t forget, Captain Awdelly, that you were going to give me some more lessons in swordsmanship!’

‘Ah yes, I’m sure we can fit some private lessons in at some point.’ More laughter ran around the group. ‘But I do, sadly, have other commitments at the moment. The gangs, you understand. The Duke is very concerned about the threat they represent.’

Another member of the group negligently waved a hand. ‘Riff-raff and scum, I fail to see how they are any true threat. They can run into their warrens down in the slums if they wish, but sooner or later they can be run to ground. And the gibbets always need filling, once they are caught.’

‘While that is true, there are, unfortunately, a lot of hiding places they can use. Forcing them to ground is something of a challenge, even with the recent enforcement of the curfew. If we had…’

There was the sound of shattering glass as a window exploded into shards, a figure crashing through, skidding to a stop surrounded by broken glass. They were swiftly followed by several others, all wearing similar outfits, cloaks of deep crimson, their faces covered by bone-white, plain masks. Screams and shouts of alarm immediately sounded, the guests all backing away. Stathis reached for her sword, hand passing through empty air before remembering that she’d had to leave it at the door. Brina’s hand dipped into her cincher, a long needle of steel appearing.

The leader of the attackers drew weapons, a pair of shortswords, before speaking, the voice female, but muffled by the mask. ‘We’re here to take what’s ours! Hand over your gold, and no-one gets hurt.’

Dalin drew his sword, standing to protect the others, waving them back. Several of the attackers moved forward, weapons at the ready, grabbing at jewellery, claiming necklaces, bracelets and rings for themselves. Stathis looked around, checking the walls for anything she could grab and use as a weapon, but there wasn’t anything. Even the drinks were served in wineglasses, too delicate to be used as weapons, rather than sturdy tankards! What sort of noble didn’t at least have a few decorative weapons hanging off the wall?

A pair of guards ran forward, armour clattering. To one side, the Duke was hurriedly escorted away, bodyguard close by and retrieving the golden disc first, a tapestry being pulled aside to reveal a hidden exit. The guards charged, the gang leader counterattacking, quick swings and jabs keeping them back while the other members went about their work.

‘Stay back here!’ Dalin advanced, leaving Stathis to feel slightly useless. Brina brushed against her, slipping a knife into her hand – it felt pretty pathetic compared to a real weapon, but was better than nothing. The robbers were fast, and moved with discipline, jewellery getting yanked off the nobles and vanishing into leather sacks. Two of them saw Dalin and approached, weapons at the ready, waiting to make the first attack.

The bandits glanced at each other, then attacked together, co-ordinating their attacks, one leading and attacking before fading back, trying to create an opening. Dalin saw through their movements, agilely stepping backwards, then meeting and countering the actual attack. Their blades locked, Dalin’s strength and height letting him easily overpower the opponent, following through with an attack, drawing blood, but only a glancing wound. Brina hung back, ready to defend, one hand inside her sash, as everyone’s attention was drawn by Dalin.

Stathis encouraged the others to move while Dalin kept them distracted, getting them to sidle towards the exit. Dalin was skilled, but the bandits were working together well, making it closer than it should have been. Stathis picked up a walking cane that had been left on a table, glad of something with at least a little better reach.

One of the other thieves noticed her and yelled. ‘Hey! Put that down! No funny business!’ He dashed over, weapons in hand. He tossed a knife, Stathis chopping it out of the air, then meeting his attack. He was fast, staying out of her reach, even as the rush for the door intensified.

She thrust, managing a solid hit, but with her only weapon being a cane, it didn’t do much damage. Still, it kept him off balance and let her shove past, joining up with Dalin. Most of the group were still clustered together, a dark-robed figure standing at the back, clearly a wizard or priest, slumped and misshapen. She felt them staring back, malignant power in their gaze, a cold darkness in the air around them. ‘That one, at the back. We need to get them!’

‘Cripple the wizard first, very wise. It seems most of the guests have made their exits, so I think we can be a little rougher now.’ He made several swift attacks, pushing them back, Stathis adapting to his tempo, doing what she could to keep the attackers off-balance. With the attackers off-balance, Dalin whipped a tablecloth off one of the tables, lashing the end through a torch so it caught flame. He flicked it with a skilled wrist, the flaming fabric sending one of the thieves dodging away. Stathis kicked him for good measure, grabbing his weapon as he staggered around. Only a short sword, but better than a damn stick!

With an actual weapon, it was far fairer, and between that and the flaming lash that Dalin was using, they could push their enemies back. The enemy leader stepped forward, a blade in each hand, her hair streaming as she attacked. Stathis blocked a strike, unable to evade the second, a thrust slicing above her ribs, drawing blood, clothing staining dark. Stathis cursed, then watched as the burning tablecloth whipped around, sending them scurrying backwards. There was the clatter of heavy feet as guards ran in from outside, weapons at the ready.

‘Shit, time to run!’ The leader backed off, blades weaving, managing to protect herself against both Stathis’ and Dalin’s attacks. The rest of the group were already diving out of a window, their wizard gesturing, one of the nearby torches suddenly blinking out, then another, the chamber darkening rapidly. Stathis could feel the same crushing aura of evil and doom in the air, a breaking of what should be. Before they vanished from sight, Stathis grabbed Dalin’s wrist and ran forward, towards the open windows.

The moon shone above them, light diffused by clouds and smoke in the sky. A rope stretched taut beneath them, running at a steep angle downwards towards the rooftops, a metal grapple lodged into the windowframe. Beneath them, running over the rooftops, she could see movement, the robbers making their escape. Brina ran past, looping another tablecloth over the rope and jumping, sliding down the rope and making a rapid descent. Stathis followed suit, gripping tightly as she slid downwards, dropping and rolling at the bottom.

‘They went that way!’ Brina pointed, before quietly whispering a snippet of song, a crescent of moonlight forming in her hand, sharp and silvery. They began to give chase, the tiles roofs clattering underfoot. ‘This isn’t quite how I anticipated tonight would go.’ Brina was light on her feet, Dalin and Stathis struggling to keep up without risking a tumble into the street.

‘Yeah, I know. Any idea who the hell they are? Dalin, you know them?’

‘Not anyone I have heard of before, but there are groups in Undercliff that hate the Duke and will take direct action. They seemed rather proficient, though, and a rogue mage is always a threat. Bold of them to attack so directly!’

Brina led the way, managing to find the smoothest path over the rooftops. Beneath them, the city slumbered, only a few taverns left having drunken kick-outs, most of the town silent and dark. No party or late-night revelry for the commoners here, it seemed. The bandit group dropped from view, dropping off a rooftop into an abandoned square, the surrounding buildings burnt out, picked over for building materials, forming an area of vague shadows with far too many hiding places. Stathis could sense broiling darkness, cold and evil, somewhere ahead of her, making her wish she had a better weapon. And her armour, and more backup.

In the grainy moonlight, making out the bandits was hard, their dark clothing blending into the shadows. Brina drew close, her own sliver of moonlight dull enough to not draw any attention. There was a soft sound behind her and she whirled, as a figure lunged out her, attack barely deflected before they dashed past, fading into the shadows again. A clash of steel sounded nearby, Brina and Dalin already hidden from sight. The ruined buildings seemed to shift and warp, their shapes ephemeral and mist-like. A bandit suddenly appeared through what looked like a wall, freezing for a moment before stepping back. Stathis moved closer, carefully probing the way with her weapon, scraping against stone before sinking into what appeared to be solid. Some illusion magic? Impressively large scale. A blade shone, striking out from within the stone, Stathis barely evading, too off-balance to counterattack, forced to slowly move ahead, her opponent already gone when she stepped through the false wall.

Brina yelled, somewhere over to her left. Stathis moved as quickly as she could, bumping against a wall she couldn’t see, the ground and walls she could see different from what was really there. A figure moved ahead of her, and she attacked, barely pulling her blow in time to not hit Dalin, himself stumbling through the illusion, wounded and bleeding from a few injuries, although none looked serious.

‘You OK? We need to find Brina and get out of here.’ Stathis thrust at a wall, weapon fading into it before chinking off stone. ‘Whatever this is, I can’t do anything about it, and they could be hiding anywhere.’

‘Agreed, this is more than a hedge-wizard helping some bandits.’

Keeping close together, they advanced, heading towards the sounds of a scuffle. A booming clap of thunder shook the air, dust running down the stubs of walls. They found Brina duelling with the leader, her knife inadequate against actual weapons, trying to roll and dodge to avoid getting stabbed. Stathis yelled a battlecry and charged, drawing attention to herself, smashing through a hasty block. They danced backwards, then faded through a section of wall. As Stathis gave chase into a dark, shadowy hallway, they had already vanished.

Brina moved up behind her, blood matting her hair. ‘We’ve no idea how many there are, or what the hell is goin’ on with this illusion thing. Best get goin’, before we get ambushed. This is Undercliff, so not a nice area to be out ‘n about, when we’re dressed up all fancy.’

Stathis looked up, seeing the lights of the castle above them, taking a moment to orientate herself. ‘Yeah, sounds good. The place I’m staying is nearby, might be easier than heading elsewhere.’

Dalin was carefully testing the walls himself, finding illusionary parts mingled indistinguishably with the reality, impossible to tell apart without touching them.

‘I agree. This area is dangerous, and we are dressed rather conspicuously.’ He gestured at his own fine suit, now bearing a few slash marks and cuts, the expensive cloth dirtied with blood and sweat. ‘This is awkward, but having to try and make our way through several checkpoints past curfew is likely to raise awkward questions. Lead on, please, Stathis.’