Mikhail rode on a proper mount as he and Morana approached Port Valcane several hours after midnight. He hadn’t been thrilled when the master ordered him to return and help Morana capture a powerful sorcerer for the crystal. He wished to remain at Connor’s side until the end, but if the witch wasn’t capable of doing her job alone there was no help for it. Whatever the master required of Mikhail he would do. He would not fail again.

“I don’t know why Connor made me bring you along,” Morana said. “You’re too big and noisy. How am I supposed to hide your presence until the target arrives?”

“I’ll kill anyone that sees me.” Mikhail glared at the witch. “That should solve the problem.”

Morana shook her head. The contempt on her face almost sent him into a rage. How dare she look down on him. If the master didn’t find her useful he’d tear her head off.

“You can’t just kill everyone that sees you. Most of the people you encounter will be Connor’s servants. Not much value in dead servants, is there?” She waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry, I’ll think of something.”

Mikhail growled deep in his chest. Arrogant bitch! As if he needed Morana to solve his problems. He was just about to tell her what he thought of her when he sensed a familiar, hated presence. Mikhail brought his mount up short.

Morana flew a little past him, stopped, and came back. “What now?”

“An enemy. I will deal with him and meet you at the worms’ base.”

“We don’t have time for this. You know how important this mission is to Connor.”

The witch’s argument almost swayed Mikhail, but this was a personal matter. Twice the whelp had bested him. This was too good an opportunity to pass up.

This time Mikhail would be the victor.