Belaens. Draconians. They were all feared for what they could do. Madran mercenaries were feared for who they were. Righteous bastards with loyalty to no crown. They pledged allegiance to one thing: gold. Was this Dell one of them? One of those causing trouble in the streets of Madra?

The priesthood worked to expel all mercenaries from the city, but occasionally a few would appear in the taverns or among the seedier shops on the outskirts of the city. Helena scanned her surroundings as Edmund led her between those shops.

Edmund ducked into a doorway at the end of the square and ushered Helena in before closing the heavy wooden door, shutting out all sunlight.

Small candles along one wall gave the only hint of light. If it weren’t for the tendrils of cinnamon floating through the air, Helena would have suspected he’d led her into a tomb.

Edmund lifted a hand and the flames on the candles grew larger.

“Did you do that?” Her eyes rounded, fear gripping her chest as she took a step back.

Edmund ignored her. “Mari,” he called, charging toward an open door. “Mari, we need you and Corban.”

A middle-aged woman with deep lines in her face appeared in the doorway, took one look at Dell, and pointed to a bed on the far wall.

Edmund set him down as a young boy skipped into the room. He froze when he saw them.

Mari’s warm eyes gazed at the child. “We need you, Corban.”

Corban shook his head and glanced at Helena.

Edmund stepped forward. “It’s okay. He’s a friend.”

It took Helena a moment to realize he meant her. She was still disguised in her brother’s clothes. These people couldn’t find out who she was no matter how much Edmund trusted them.

She only nodded, deciding that speaking would give her away.

Corban sighed.

Mari ran a hand over the top of the boy’s head. “He’s worried. Magic might not be outlawed in Madra as it once was in Gaule, but the fear still exists within the city. If word got out… we don’t know what would happen to him.”

Helena wanted to ask what Mari meant, but couldn’t find the right words. Edmund seemed to sense the question and mouthed ‘later’ before crouching in front of Corban. “How many times have I come to you, Corban?”

The boy shrugged.

Edmund smiled fondly. “A lot. You and I are bonded by magic. Mari too. In this city that’s very rare. You can trust me. I won’t lead you into danger.”

Corban nodded. “I trust you.”

Edmund smiled and straightened before gripping Corban’s shoulder and guiding him to the bed.

Dell murmured something unintelligible as the young boy placed his palms against the unconscious man’s chest.

Nothing happened.

Helena looked to Edmund, but he focused on Dell’s face.