The mage hunter returned to the side table, pouring a cup for the second guard. "Here you go," he said at last. He sat down opposite Natalia but handed her no drink.

She looked at him for a moment, her eyes going to the two guards, a quizzical look to her face.

"Now, where are my manners," he continued. "How have things been at the Volstrum?"

"They have been much as expected," she replied, "though I must admit that time has seemed to drag on over the last week."

"I'm sorry to hear you say that," the mage hunter responded. "I, for one, have been quite busy. Did I mention the gift that my uncle gave me?"

"No, you didn't."

"How remiss of me," he said, "let me show you." He rose from his seat, returning to the side table.

Natalia looked at the two guards, the shorter of the two had drained his drink almost immediately, while his taller dark-haired companion had been lightly sipping his own.

"Here it is," Stanislav said, producing a small bag and handing it to her. "Now, don't take it out, I don't want it getting dirty."

She opened it carefully, gazing within to see the golden coins it held.

"What do you make of it?" he asked. "Is it not fine?"

"It is," she responded, "but it looks expensive. I hope your uncle didn't pay too much for it?"

"No, not at all. In fact, he told me it was quite the bargain." He glanced over at the shorter guard, whose eyes had closed. The other, halfway through his cup, was looking relaxed, but then quickly snapped his eyes open.

"What treachery is this?" the guard demanded.

"Whatever are you talking about," said Stanislav.

"Guards!" the man yelled at the top of his lungs, then stood to his feet unsteadily, reaching for his weapon.

Stanislav lunged forward, tackling the man and sending them both tumbling to the floor. "Natalia, the door!" he cried out.

She reacted instinctively, thrusting her hands out in front of her and uttering the words of power. There was a sudden chill to the air as ice began to form, encasing the door in its frozen embrace.

The short guard, woken by the commotion, stumbled to his feet, trying to make out what had happened.

"Take the coins," yelled Stanislav. "There's a carriage waiting for you out back."

"Come with me," she pleaded.

"I can't," he said, his voice starting to slur. "Don't you see, I drank the wine."

The other guard drew his sword and stabbed forward, driving the tip into the mage hunter's leg. Stanislav let out a scream of pain as he yelled, "Run, Natalia, run!"