They were within half a mile of it, running along narrow Goose Lane, when a dark form stepped into the middle of the lane just ahead of them, long sword drawn, effectively blocking their way. There was no mistaking his stance; Brader was ready and perhaps even able to take on the three of them.

“We don’t have time for this!” Micum growled.

“Seregil, go!” Alec said, falling back.

Micum drew his sword and charged Brader head-on while Seregil dodged right along the wall and kept going. Behind him the sound of steel on steel rang out.

* * *

“Luck in the shadows, and hurry!” Alec whispered, watching Seregil hurtle through the early-morning crowd.

There were too many people in the street for Alec to risk his bow. Instead he and Micum drew their swords and rushed Brader together, expecting a quick victory, two against one, but the man surprised them both. He had youth on Micum and height on Alec, but it was more than that: he had Seregil’s skill and speed.

People screamed and scattered as they fought. Maneuvering was difficult, making it virtually impossible to flank Brader. Instead they pushed each other back and forth, Brader mostly parrying their swings.

He’s buying time for Atre, thought Alec, making an unsuccessful cut at Brader’s legs. Focused as he was on the battle, he was only dimly aware of the clatter of hooves and the shouts of the approaching bluecoats. Several riders burst from a side street. Brader took advantage of the distraction and dashed away in the direction of the theater. Alec and Micum started to give chase, only to have their way cut off by more bluecoats on foot.

“Run!” said Micum.

Alec ran, dodging down the nearest side street, keenly aware of the mounted bluecoats close behind. Knowing he couldn’t outrun them, he dashed into a tavern that was just opening for the day and on out the back door into a small courtyard. A milk cart was there, the milk seller talking with the lady of the house and several servants. The woman screamed as Alec dodged around them, ran out the open side gate and on into a succession of narrow side lanes and over walls as he made his way toward the theater.

It had been Brader’s idea to send out Teibo, just in case Lord Seregil and whatever companions he might have brought were lying in wait outside. When he was proven right, Brader set off to shadow them, while Atre ducked through a series of backstreets to Basket Street, dressed as a laborer in a coarse tunic, leggings, and a head rag.

Arriving safely, Atre went in through the alley door in back and hurried down to his workroom in the cellar.