Page 8 of The Barbarian King's Assassin (Magic and Kings 1)
“The people like him. They enjoy living their lives without worry or strife. They’re happy, which means less work for us and the reason why we’re relocating.”
I blinked. “What?” Talk about sudden.
“As if you didn’t guess that was why I left. I was scouting out new possibilities, given the jobs we’ve been receiving of late have been mediocre and a waste of our talent.”
“We make steady coin guarding caravans.” I could also do it half asleep.
“Any idiot with a weapon can do that. You and I are too skilled to be content with that.”
“Because those trained in death can only be satisfied if they stalk the night.” An oft repeated mantra of my teacher. Jrijori taught the older ways of the assassin’s guild.
“You are not being fulfilled. Neither of us is.”
“Speak for yourself. I killed someone tonight.”
“That was a pathetic job, and you know it. There was a time we never would have entertained it.”
“Things are a little slow,” I admitted.
“We are wasting away. Which is why I am relocating. You coming or not?”
As if there was any question. He was my only family. Only friend. Only person I trusted.
“Where?” Because while a form of mercenary guild existed in practically every major city, only a few dealt in the deadlier arts. Some places, like Varyy, had banned assassins entirely. Even mercenaries could only visit with a contract showing their purpose, and it better be legitimate or they might find themselves arrested and sent to the mines.
“Varyy.” Stated, not asked.
“Is that your idea of a joke? It’s the one country in the center of three fighting factions that has a law against assassins and an instant death penalty to those caught breaking it.” A big reason why we didn’t do business there.
“Their very laws are why it’s perfect. Think of the advantages on all sides. The threat of skirmishes all around. Power plays and positioning. So much opportunity.”
“With a constant threat of arrest,” I added. How exciting. “When do we leave?”
“How long do you need to say goodbye?”
I snorted. “None since we’re going together.” There was no one else I cared about. The few friends I had were all retired or dead.
“Then we’ll leave within the hour.”
It didn’t take me that long. My saddlebags with my spare clothes, armor, and knives thumped down the steps, drawing eyes. It scraped as I dragged it over the floor. No one offered to help. They’d better not and imply I was weak. More like I’d accumulated a lot of stuff.
As I headed for the door, I realized there was one person I wanted to say goodbye to. Whirling, I marched over to Benji, grabbed him, and dragged him close enough to smash a slobbery kiss on his lips.
The man couldn’t stand bodily fluids of any type, which made his choice of where to work all the more confounding. He jerked away and rubbed his face furiously, cursing and spitting.
Jrijori stood cloaked by the door and shook his head slightly as I neared. “Was that necessary?”
“Totally.”
“Try to behave once we get to Feoria.” The capital of Varyy and soon to be our new home.
My lips quirked. “I thought the point of moving was to spice up our lives.”
“Preferably with our heads intact.”
We squabbled good-naturedly, but only where no one could hear us. Anyone looking would have seen two angry people waving around sharp knives. We did have an appearance to maintain after all.
Our horses stood saddled in the courtyard. I glanced down at my very heavy bags and the poor mare I couldn’t torture. I looked at the boy handling the reins to our steeds and heaved my belongings in his direction. “Have this sent to—” I eyed Jrijori. “Give him the address.”