The Way of the Power by Stuart Jaffe

thought the Scarites would start this up again so soon. After their defeat, they couldn’t possibly have enough strength to declare war. It’s suicide.” An awful thought soured her stomach — Harskill. He could have returned. Perhaps he wanted this world after all. Even without magic, the world had plenty to offer. And Harskill could bring magic back with ease. Probably.
    Stray shook his head. “They might be after the Artisoll.”
    “They don’t even know she exists.”
    “One of the first lessons ever taught me — do not underestimate those who seek her out.”
    “Regardless, staying here only endangers the crowd. We’ve got to move.”
    “It’s more important to get the Artisoll to safety then worry about the lives of others. But we don’t know if this is even a real threat. Perhaps it’s a diversion. I can’t afford to risk her safety by acting without knowing the threat.”
    Malja placed her hand on Stray’s shoulder. “You just gave me an idea.”
     
     
     

 
    Chapter 6
     
    “Follow me.” Malja led a path through the gyrating party and Stray stayed close behind. “First thing we need to do is find a place hidden from view above.”
    “But the Artisoll.”
    “Trust me. I won’t let anything happen to her. If our unwanted guests are targeting her, they clearly are waiting for a less crowded moment to attack; otherwise, they already would have struck. If they are here for me, then as long as we’re moving, they’ll wait to see if we end up in a better location for an attack. And if they’re here to start a war with the Carsites, it doesn’t matter where we go. They’ll be attacking the whole town.”
    A drunken elderly man stumbled into Malja, spilling his mug of foul smelling drink down his front. He scowled and raised his fist. When he saw who stood before him, he trembled out a smile and pumped his fist in the air. “Yeah, Malja,” he said with a weak crack in his voice.
    “Go,” she said. He vanished into the crowd. She turned to Stray. “We can’t stay out here in the open. Another drunk like that might be all it takes to get our enemy on the move.”
    “What about there?” Stray said, indicating a building with his eyes.
    “The stables? That could work.”
    They broke free from the thickest part of the crowd and entered the long stables. Twenty stalls - ten on each side of a straight corridor with only four occupied. Malja nodded.
    She stepped back out, checking the rooftops as fast and nonchalantly as possible, before scanning the edge of the crowd. The shadows had spread out. Several followed her, but several more remained with the party — which included the Artisoll. Her simple plan might be more necessary than she had thought.
    As expected, Hirasa stood near the outer edge of the crowd. As she wiped off the last of her performance makeup, she peeked over at the stables. That girl’s attachment to Malja had been at times flattering, embarrassing, and annoying. But at least, it was predictable.
    “Hirasa. Come here.”
    The young woman hustled over. “Did you enjoy the dance?”
    “You were excellent. Thank you.”
    Hirasa reddened. “It was a group effort, of course. We really could have done much better, but with so little time —”
    “Listen to me.” Malja’s serious tone quieted Hirasa. “I need your help. I want you to go to where everyone is dancing. Find Tommy and the Artisoll and bring them here. Hurry.”
    “I won’t fail you.”
    As Hirasa threw herself into her assignment, Malja returned to Stray. He stood by a black horse and stroked its nose. “Lovely animals. Do you have any toftof here?”
    “Don’t even know what that is. Don’t care much at the moment, either.” Malja paused. Why was Stray acting so calm? She looked him over and saw that even as he portrayed ease, his right hand had a firm grip on one of his swords. With a nod of recognition, she walked towards him. “I’m sorry. That was rude. Perhaps you could tell me about these