Book 3 Chapter 27

Maria crouched, poking her head from around the corner as she watched the Confederation's assassins lead the children out from Raife’s manor. She had been following them for several minutes, moving through the now desolate mansion. Distant rumbles came from the other side of the estate, sounds that Maria was sure would lead to Tirr… But despite Garm's continued looks of frustration, she kept moving, knowing that if Tirr was held up elsewhere, then it was up to her to try and help the children.

As she watched the intruders gather the children in the courtyard, she couldn’t help but feel it was unfortunate that she was the only one here for this. She knew she had none of the subtlety or finesse of Torvus, Nerida, or even Tirr. The fact that she had become somewhat of a muscle brain than anything else was something she was more than aware of. Having grown used to the strength her blessing granted her. And Garm… She thought as she glanced at the wolf pup behind her.

Maria let out a sigh, they were probably the worst pair possible for this kind of rescue mission… Yet if the continued sounds coming from the other side of the manor were any sign, they were all that was available.

She focused once more on the children. The assassins forced them together within the yard of the manor as they kept the children under tight watch. More than a dozen of the hooded figures stood around, some as guards and others that counted the children one by one.

The assassin's treated the children roughly having no patience for those that disobeyed them. She even watched one kick one child that had been too noisy for the Assassin’s preference. Maria clenched her fist, already envisioning putting Bren’s hammer through the bastard's face, yet she knew she couldn’t.

Though with Garms help she was sure they could take the group of assassin's on, doing so while protecting the children from the Shard Users would be impossible. If they rushed in blindly all they would accomplish is getting the children hurt.

She watched as Sera picked up the sniffling child, helping to quiet him. Sera’s presence seemed to be the only thing keeping the children from completely panicking. Maria was grateful for the young teen's stoic appearance.

As Maria kept silent, the intruders seemed to notice something was off, they counted the children again, unhappy when they received the same results.

“What's going on?” A voice called. Out of the darkness came the large wild-looking man they had fought not long ago. Though he seemed to favor one side, a leftover from Tirr’s attacks he still walked with confidence dragging one of Raifes men behind him. He threw the guard to the side, frowning as he questioned the rest of them.

“There's one missing…” The lead assassin informed him.

The wild man spared only a glance at the huddled children before looking back towards the rumbling sounds coming from the mansion, “There's no more time, we’ll have to take the ones we have.”

The assassins nodded and one more forced the children to their feet as they forced them out and into the cavern.

“They’re gonna get away!” A sudden voice caught her and Garm by surprise. She wheeled, Blessing surging only to find Ian standing behind her, face angry as he watched his friends being led away.

“You’re the servant of that god right?” The young boy started accusatorially, “Why aren’t you doing any…”

Maria shushed him quietly as her hand flew over his mouth. She stayed still waiting as one last assassin came from the dark to follow after the main group. He took one last look around, forcing maria to duck, before taking off.

Finally, Maria let Ian go as she rose as well, moving slowly after them with Garm at her side. “The best we can do now is follow them…” She whispered back towards the boy. Ian nodded reluctantly and followed. The group of three moved off into the tunnels as the echoes of fighting slowly faded behind them…