Renard could only watch as Void, Verdant, and Wrath stepped into place in front of Lord Carricks balcony. The guards did not move to stop them, although they looked between them and Lord Carrick as if trying to decide who they feared more.

Verdant stepped over to the executioner. She touched him lightly on the lips, and he gasped, seeming to regain the ability to move all in a rush. He scrambled back from her like a mouse from a cat, even though he towered over her.

What is the meaning of this? Lord Carrick boomed down from his spot on the balcony.

My lord, Void said, that blank mask of his staring up at Lord Carrick. It is good to see you again, after so long. I trust that our arrangement worked out well for you?

Our arrangement… Lord Carrick stood there staring down at him. For a moment, Renard thought that the man might actually be arrogant enough to try to deny it. Yes, of course.

And that you have not forgotten the boon you said you would owe us, Void continued.

In that moment, Renard knew what he was going to ask for. It seemed that Lord Carrick knew it too.

No, he said, pointing an accusing finger at Renard. This man is mine to kill. He has stolen from me!

And we have need of a thief, Verdant said in that too honeyed voice of hers.

Wrath joined in, cracking his knuckles. Unless you want to break your word to us? Unless you want the Hidden for an enemy?

I… Lord Carrick looked from them to Renard and back. Renard could feel the hatred there. He found himself hoping that hatred would be enough for him to order some guard to put a blade in him anyway. It would probably be better than what the Hidden had planned.

Take him, Lord Carrick snapped, gesturing to Renard. He is yours now, to do with as you wish. Take him and go.

Damn it, Renard couldnt even rely on a man like his lordship to do the stupid, cruel thing. He could only watch as Void and the others came over to him. The Hiddens leader nodded to Verdant, who touched the ropes that held Renard.

He smelled the scent of rot that went bone deep, and deeper, the scent of blooms opening in a deep forest somewhere, already consumed with fungi. Even as he smelled it, the hemp of the ropes seemed to blacken and fall from him, crawling with maggots.

Wrath lifted him to his feet easily. He took the chains that held Renard, and he snapped them.

Ive already told you that Im happy here, Renard said to Void.