Revenge by Fiona McIntosh Page B

man they were searching for; aside from the problem that they were both in the form of a bird while Tor’s own body lay cooling many leagues south.
    Could it have been luck? Or fate? Or was it Lys manipulating events? Tor would never know but he suddenly spotted a familiar figure making its way along the main street of Caradoon. There was no mistaking him. Even from this high up and without seeing his face, Tor had no doubt that it was Saxon the Kloek striding below him.
    Well, well, well, muttered Cloot, who had also spotted Saxon.
    Why would he be here of all places?
    Cloot’s interest was piqued; all sarcasm had disappeared. I saw some of the King’s Guard in Kyrakavia. He may well be with them. Saxon would know of this place through his travels with Cirq Zorros.
    Of course. Tor’s mind raced. Let’s follow him.
    The falcon sighed. At least it’s a plan, he said and took off, being careful to keep the trees as cover. He had already decided that this was not a place for a distinctive bird to be seen too readily.
    They watched Saxon drift into an inn and back out again not long after. He called into several market stalls and looked to be asking questions.
    He looks grim , Tor said.
    He is searching.
    For the same thing as us?
    Possibly. But why? And why now?
    Let’s just assume he is. How can we help him?
    Before Cloot could answer, they saw a man giving the Kloek directions. Saxon nodded and thanked him. He set off and they followed him once more, heartily glad for the trees which encircled the town. They lost him momentarily and then saw him enter into one of the side streets towards the northern end of town.
    Over there, Cloot.
    I see him. Let’s get as close as we can.
    As they flew over a very quiet part of the town where few people were walking the streets, a strange smell hit Tor’s senses. Before he could ask the obvious, Cloot answered.
    It’s the stracca. Smells sweet when freshly burned but after a while it gets that sour aroma. It’s worse up this high than I remember.
    They watched Saxon get new directions from a youth, who pointed to a whitewashed building not far from the tree where they were perched, well hidden. The structure stood alone. The smell seemed to be coming from it.
    Looks as though Saxon is on the same trail then, Cloot.
    I’m astonished but I think you’re right.
    From their vantage point, they could see all sides of the building. There were a few people milling around behind it, where a path led down to the water. Serving women were cleaning and washing linen; cooks’ helpers were scrubbing vegetables; other youngsters were fetching and carrying. It was a hive of activity. Tor and Cloot watched as a woman appeared at the back door. She called out something to a lad at the water’s edge. He turned, looking scared. The woman stepped out into the open. She wore a silk scarf over her head. The boy hurried towards her. When he arrived, she slapped him hard across his ear; they could hear its sound very clearly. As she did so, her scarf slipped and her dark and luxurious hair whipped around in the breeze. Both of them instantly recognised Xantia.
    Together they said her name and looked immediately to Saxon, who was now approaching the stracca house.
    We have to warn him, Cloot.
    I can’t open a link.
    Take the risk. Fly into the open. We can’t let him walk into this place. If Xantia is here, then Goth probably is too.
    Cloot did not hesitate further. Saxon was just moments from entering the front door and they could see Xantia, her fury spent, also going back into the building. Cloot leapt off the branch and used the drop to gain some speed, flying straight at Saxon’s face. At the last second, he veered off, clawing at the Kloek’s hair and screeching.
    ‘What the hell…!’ Saxon spun around, one hand poised in mid air to bang on the door, the other grabbing at his face.
    Cloot shrieked again, this time from cover. Saxon peered into the trees. He could not see anything but they