Adrik gestured. “We refused to follow orders and are here awaiting execution. They plan to...burn us alive...during the fire festival.” His voice hitched.

Valek didn’t blame him. Burning someone to death was cruel and horrific. “The Commander prefers hangings.”

“Well, we all know he’s not making the decisions anymore. That magician thought fire was a more fitting execution.”

“And my other agents?”

“Are following the Commander’s orders.” He pointed to his ear, then signaled. We have a friend in high places.

Advisor Maren?

Yes.

Smart, but dangerous. If Owen and the Commander discovered she was only pretending to be loyal, they’d milk her for information before killing her.

We’re hoping you have a brilliant plan, Adrik motioned.

He wasn’t sure of its brilliance. And he couldn’t tell them, either. If a magician read their thoughts, Valek’s plan had no chance. No, sorry, I don’t.

His agents reacted with dismay. Worried, strained expressions replaced the smiles. He hated lying to them, but he hoped they’d forgive him later, once they’d managed to escape.

“That magician, Owen, did something to your bars with his magic,” Adrik said, then signed, He’s under the impression that will keep you contained.

“Then I’m stuck here like the rest of you,” Valek said in a defeated tone.

Really? Adrik gestured, still hopeful.

Really.

The mood turned downright ugly.

Valek’s expected visitors arrived a few hours later. Owen, Tyen and Maren stood on the opposite side of the bars. The Commander was smart enough to avoid endangering himself by entering the dungeon. The Commander also wasn’t the type to gloat—unlike Owen, who looked mighty pleased with himself. Maren kept her expression neutral, though, even when she met his gaze. Standing, Valek moved closer to the door and sized up the enemy. A short sword hung from Owen’s waist. Tyen had Valek’s daggers tucked into his belt—a nice little dig at besting Valek. Maren was unarmed, as far as Valek could tell, which said quite a bit. Owen might not fully trust her yet.

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist returning to Ixia,” Owen said. “Did you like my trap at your safe house?”

Valek considered keeping quiet, but the man had an ego that Valek planned to manipulate. “It was clever.”

Owen preened. “I’ve been two steps ahead of you this entire time. In fact, I’m quite happy that your resistance is going to use those storm orbs on the garrisons. It’ll help me tremendously.”

Valek acted surprised, but it just confirmed what Campbell had told him about the attack from the rear.

“No sarcastic comeback?” Owen asked.

Now was the time for silence.

“I guess you’ve realized you’re out of luck and options. You’re up first for execution.”

“Is it scheduled for tomorrow?” Valek asked.

“No. You’ll be going up in flames as part of the grand opening ceremonies for the fire festival. It’ll be quite the show.”

“Too bad I’m going to miss it,” Valek said.

Owen tapped the bars with his finger. “A null shield will be around you at all times. And I control that shield. Right now, it’s as big as your cell. But all I have to do...” Owen held his hands wide and then brought them slowly together.

Valek stared at the magician, but he kept his senses open to determine the exact location of the shield. If he didn’t react properly, it was the end of the road. Owen’s lips quirked just a bit as the shield closed around his body. Valek stiffened, pretending his arms were pinned to his sides. A glint of cruelty shone in Owen’s eyes, and Valek held his breath as if his lungs were being squeezed. Valek’s gaze promised pain and death, but Owen merely laughed at Valek as he held the shield for a very long minute before spreading his hands apart again. Valek sucked in deep breaths, trying not to gasp, which just amused Owen even more. Good.

“Face it, Valek. You can’t escape,” Owen said.

“I’ve heard that before. And it wasn’t true then, either.”

“Is that so?” Owen jerked the door to Valek’s cell open. “It’s not even locked. Go on, then. Escape.”

Unbelievable. Owen had just given him an unexpected gift. Valek strode up to the opening but jerked to a stop just shy of breaking the threshold. While Owen and Tyen delighted in the action, Valek signaled Maren. If she wasn’t on board, Valek was done. Maren, however, didn’t react at all.

“You’re a relic,” Owen said. “Your weakness is well known, and any magician who can erect a null shield can beat you. Considering your immunity served you so well all these years, it’s ironic, isn’t it?”

Valek dropped his shoulders a bit. “I’m well aware of the irony.”

“Good. You have lots to think about before I return to escort you to the pyre.”

Owen turned to leave.

“I do have one question,” Valek said.

The magician paused. “Yes?”

“Any last words?” Valek moved. He stepped through the door, grabbed Owen’s short sword and stabbed it deep into the man’s stomach. Hot blood gushed over his hands, adding to the satisfaction of seeing the shocked expression on Owen’s face.

Maren had a knife on Tyen, but she yelled as the man’s magic slammed her into a wall. She crumpled to the ground in a heap as the weapon clattered to the floor. Tyen gestured, and the knife flew at Valek.