“Yes, find out about him. My officers are forbidden to abuse their positions.”

Another reason Ambrose held Valek’s loyalty. His insistence that his army always behave as professionals. No cruelty, no killing for killing’s sake, no drunken brawls and no sexual harassment.

Valek sipped his drink. Molten spices rolled over his tongue, burned down his throat and warmed his stomach. “I’d like to investigate this Timmer personally.”

The Commander stilled. “You’ve only just returned. Why not send an agent?”

“It’s too important. He’s the reason both Onora and Gerik are here and I suspect they’re working together. Besides, an agent would have to infiltrate his squad and earn his trust. Time I’m unwilling to waste at this point.”

“And you believe you can get answers faster?”

“Oh yes.”

The Commander stared into the fire. “What about my safety?”

Good question. What about it? Ever since Onora had appeared in the Commander’s suite, Valek had been mulling it over, viewing the entire night from every possible angle. He’d missed something vital. He’d no idea what, but he’d discover it eventually.

“I will ensure that the gap in security has been plugged, and that you have a new detail before I leave. Besides, if Onora has a change of heart, I’m quite certain you can handle her,” Valek said.

“Quite certain?”

Valek met the Commander’s amused gaze. “I haven’t beaten you yet, old man.”

“Experience trumps youth?”

“For now,” Valek agreed.

“And when it doesn’t?”

Valek laughed. “We team up. I’ll knock him on the head with my cane and you aim for the groin with your bony feet.”

The Commander chuckled and sipped his drink. They sat in companionable silence for a while.

“All right, Valek. Go and take care of this Captain Timmer. You have ten days.”

All humor fled Valek. Ten days. Just like the inside joke between Valek and Hedda all those years ago. He’d never told the Commander or anyone about that. Coincidence? Or had the Commander talked to Hedda? And if so, why?

13

JANCO

Janco hated mornings. The bright sunlight, chirping birds and those obnoxious morning people just made his stomach churn. Unfortunately, since he’d been a soldier for forever morning exercise and training had been a requirement. He’d probably be a general by now if training was scheduled for a decent hour of the day.

Ari’s white-blond hair gleamed in the sun, making it easy to find his partner in the vast training area. As in everything, Ari was the complete opposite of Janco. He was even one of those obnoxious morning people.

“You’re late,” Ari said.

“Yeah, well, I got behind a group of newbs while running laps. My grandmother could run faster than them.”

“You couldn’t just pass them?”

“And miss a chance to taunt them? No way.”

“I see you’ve taken to heart Valek’s orders to be a good example to the new recruits.”

“Yep, that’s me. A shining example.”

“Speaking of examples...” Ari tilted his head.

Janco turned and groaned. “Here comes Little Miss Assassin. What have we done to get saddled with her?”

“It didn’t help you were caught snooping in that warehouse. Some sneak you are.”

“I was far from caught. I was just...biding my time.” Janco eyed the young pup sourly.

Little Miss Assassin moved through the groups of soldiers with ease. No discomfort from being surrounded by armed men and women. She joined them without a word and warmed up. Her long brown hair was braided down her back. She wore a light-colored tunic and pants and her feet were bare! And people called him crazy.

He stretched and bantered with Ari until he saw them.

“Ari, look.” He elbowed his partner.

“What? Oh, crap. This can’t be good.”

“Ya think?”

The Commander and Valek headed toward them followed by some grunt, who looked terrified. Didn’t blame him.

Little Miss Assassin froze for a second when she spotted the threesome. Scared of Valek? Not from what he’d heard. The Commander? Ditto. A slight hitch in the big grunt’s stride gave him away. She knew him and vice versa. Valek also watched the young pup’s expression. Probably testing a theory.

But why was the Commander here?

Valek introduced the grunt—Sergeant something or other. Seemed he might be another member of their team. Oh, this day was just getting better and better. He should have stayed in bed.

“We’re going to do some sparring,” Valek said. “Janco versus Gerik, Ari versus Onora, then switch.”

The Commander leaned against the wooden fence that lined the training yard. Better put on a good show.

“Weapons?” Ari asked.

“Your choice.”

Janco sensed a trick. He glanced at his partner. Ari shrugged. No help there. Janco studied the grunt. Taller than him, but not as broad as Ari. Best to wait until the grunt chose a weapon before he picked his.

Sergeant Grunt chose a bo staff. A surprise. Janco was sure he’d go for the sword. No worries. He’d learned a thing or three from Maren. Picking up his bo, he slid his hands along the wood of the staff and faced the grunt.

Valek refereed the match. “Go.”

The grunt swung his bo, aiming for Janco’s temple. He blocked and the loud crack of wood hitting wood vibrated in the air. The man meant business. Janco countered and soon all he heard was the rhythmic cracks of the two bos. His opponent was good, but Janco was better. Natch.