Frost and Flame, Foes in the Dark (book 2)

Chapter 25, Evasions and Farewells (Final)

Year 783 Octavus, day 7 of the eight-month of Balkraus

"What?!" Sidastir glared at the head of the Guard, Atrox Falcis, who glared back. "What did you say?"

"The culprit, Atra Serpentis, has been arrested. She will be brought back to Patricalum to face justice."

"Amadan! A man did this, a Huzhidian named Giho Yuan. He went straight up to my consort and threaten him."

"And I'm sure that you consort and your..." Atrox glanced at Attilus, or to be exact his branding," bodyguard is very trustworthy. But we have to go on evidence. The assassins have confessed to having been hired by Atra Serpentis, and we have witnesses telling us that she has tried getting favors from several assassins who wanted payment upfront, these didn't and agreed to a favor."

Sidastir felt his rage increasing, but was held back by Akana who didn't look surprised.

"I'm sure you did the best to your abilities," Akana said politely, but there was a hint of an insult underneath that comment. Atrox just bowed stiffly and left the mansion.

"I tried to get the real name, even plucked out Amai's eyes, but she was adamant that she was hired by Atra Serpentis," Ceva said, as she watched the head of the guard left.

"Did Amai lie?" asked Sidastir, it did sound like something Atra would do but Giho Yuan pretty much confessed.

"Possibly, or Atra was helping him. In either case, Serpentis was made a scapegoat," Ceva said with a shrug," and she made it easy for Giho Yuan to do so considering all the trails the woman left when she tried to plot her revenge."

"Which is the reason why I don't think it was her, we already knew she was trying to hire someone, but it was to kill me, not Sidastir," Akana said with a sigh. "The guards just didn't take that into account. Either way, Atra dug her own grave."

Sidastir turned to Cessare, "And Tenera?"

"She left just before this mess, most likely already knew it was coming. She said something about her getting friendly with Aurea Sideris who had taken a liking to Tenera. They left together before Atra could drag them down with her," Cessare said with a shrug.

"There isn't much we can do here," Akana said looking around. "I think it's time to leave, and frankly, I hope that I don't have to return anytime soon."

"Truly, it can't get any worse than this," muttered Sidastir.

"Dear husband."

"Yes."

"Remember to clear out the underground city of the dwarves when you get home."

"..."

*****

"Are you sure?" asked Stella, her eyes wide. Akana nodded, as he looked around.

"I thought it would be prudent to have my own villa in the city where diplomats from Eitir could stay, I need someone to look after it while it stands empty. I want that to be you. You are also responsible to train a new Ipsimus who can take over, whether you choose a relative or someone else is up to you," Akana said, handing over the new address. "See it as your retirement, you will have a comfortable place to live out your life. Whether you agree or not is up to you."

Stella looked ready to faint before she dried her unshed tears and turned to the two teenagers fidgeting in the background. "You heard Dominus Draconis. We are moving to a new Domus. Move it, pack everything you can carry, and a little more. We are leaving!"

Akana almost chuckled as he exited the culina, watching Attilus waiting in the atrium. Going over, Akana handed him a heavy pouch with gold. "Your salary for a good job."