Ducking a swipe aimed to sever his head, Sano kicked a screen into Nirin’s path. The commander stumbled, throwing out his arms to regain his balance. Sano didn’t use the chance to slay his opponent: He needed Nirin alive. Darting behind the commander, Sano grabbed the back collar of Nirin’s armor tunic and jerked him upright. He jammed his sword under the commander’s right arm, with the tip of the blade touching the unprotected armpit.

“Drop your weapon!” he ordered.

Nirin went rigid. Slowly he turned to Sano, eyes sharp with terror and hatred. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound emerged. Cries of dismay issued from the men at the door. When Sano repeated the order, Nirin dropped his blade.

“Now unsheathe the other one, and throw it over there,” Sano said. “Good. Now fold your arms.”

Nirin did, and his wide sleeve fell, hiding Sano’s sword.

“Let him go,” blurted a guard.

Ragged breaths tore Sano’s chest as his body fought to restore its depleted energy. “We’re going to walk off the island together,” he said to Nirin. Holding the commander by the armor, Sano marched him toward the door. “Out of the way,” Sano told the guards and clerks, “or he dies.”

Mouths agape in shock, the men didn’t budge. Sano thrust the blade upward, felt it bite flesh. Nirin flinched, croaking, “Do as he says.”

The men sprang away from the door. Sano propelled Nirin down the corridor and out of the house. “Don’t follow, or I’ll kill him,” Sano called over his shoulder, halting the guards’ rush across the garden after them.

“If you think you can get away with this, you’re crazy.” Outrage and fear mingled in Nirin’s voice. “There are troops all over the island. You’ll never get past them.”

Sano fought his own doubt. “Yes, I will, because you’re going to help me.” He kicked open the gate and shoved Nirin through. “Not one word, unless I tell you to speak.” His heart seized when he saw guards swarming the street, hunting the trespasser.

“Over here!” Nirin called. “He’s got me.”

All heads turned toward them; all sound and motion stopped. Then came the outcry. Guards surrounded Sano and Nirin, swords drawn. Sano remembered a hostage incident he’d once resolved. Now he was the villain. A nightmarish sense of unreality fell over him.

“Let us through, or I’ll kill him,” he shouted.

He jerked his sword forward, exposing the hilt. The crowd quieted, looking to their leader for orders. Nirin sucked in his breath as the blade poked his armpit, then forced a laugh. “You can’t kill me. You need me to escape. Don’t listen to him. He’s bluffing.”