Thread Slivers

Chapter 5 Knives Are Out

-Ticca-

Enjoying the sweet and salty flavor of the sweetmeat, Ticca strolled through the marketplace. As she compared the morning’s purchases against her list of needed items, she smiled. Her new pouch had two separate compartments with identical sets of items. The exception was that one had practically nothing of value, while the other held the important items. She was particularly pleased with the set of journals she’d found. It would take a little work to transfer her notes, but it would be worth it. The sun was warm, and all her main objectives for the day were dealt with. She considered the future.

I should go back to the Blue Dolphin and put my dagger out. But I think I can afford to take a short break. I have been working for years to get here. I think I deserve a break.

Ignoring most of the barkers vying for her attention, she thought maybe she should get a few extra supplies, since she had a safe place to store them.

Always a good idea to be prepared to leave on short notice.

Her eyes were dazzled by a flash of bright light, and her ears started ringing from a sound like a loud thunderclap. Something hit her hard from behind, and her skin prickled at the contact, even through her leathers.

That feels like the magic Sula made me use.

She was pushed forward with considerable force, and her feet automatically shuffled, keeping her balanced. Her heart started racing as the memory of the previous evening’s sneak attack made a pang in her stomach. She dropped her pack as she executed an about face, into a battle-ready crouch, with knives in a defensive position.

Dagger in one hand and a knife in the other, she took in what had hit her. Instead of the expected opponent, she saw the back of a skinny, medium-height man. He was turning around, facing away from her. His cloak was smoking from whatever had happened to his back.

Must have been blown into me, but by whom or what?

Lowering herself and stepping an inch to the right, remaining ready for a fight, she was able to see past the man who had run into her. Fifteen feet away and closing was a Knife, or someone who really wanted to make that impression. The Knife was using an ebony rod, which he pointed at the other man. Looking at the singed cloak in front of her, she thought, This guy must be a wizard, to have withstood a surprise magical attack. That feeling when he touched me must have been his shielding. My Lady! This is an assassination attempt against a wizard in the middle of the market! Who would dare try this?

Nearby people began to react to the events, most bolting away, screaming. The few remaining, which were watching the events like a busker act, changed their minds and also ran when lightning leapt from the rod, striking the wizard. He was pushed further back, and Ticca deftly stepped backwards with the motion to keep a workable distance between them. The hair on the back of her neck stood up, and her heart raced from being in the line of fire. This is not a good place to be. She saw there was no cover other than tents. Those tents aren’t going to stop a missed shot. Maybe behind this wizard isn’t such a bad spot. He’s holding up to the abuse pretty well. The Knife was also impressed, and he scowled. More than you bargained for, I bet. Now, for the execution everyone always says happens when wizards are crossed.

Slowly, almost arrogantly, the wizard lifted his hands. The Knife’s eyes showed a touch of fear. The Knife tried to move, shouting, “Urdu!” In a last desperate effort, he threw his knife at the wizard, but he wasn’t fast enough. Nice try, but I doubt anyone can move fast enough. Throwing stuff at wizards just makes them madder.

As expected, an over-the-top reaction came from his hands in the form of a blaze of orange and red lights. His right hand had targeted the center of the Knife’s chest, and his left, the rod. In an amazing burst of blue fire, the rod exploded as the screaming Knife was engulfed in red flames. The exploding rod blew the right hand and forearm away, leaving a stump of an arm. Small bits of meat and blood rained onto the stall fronts.