Luck in the Shadows

top, and came out on the flat roof of the keep.
    "We're cornered!" cried Alec, looking around.
    A quick circuit of the ramparts proved him right. There was no other way down; looking over the low parapets, they found impossible drops on every side. Behind them, Kassarie's men were already clambering up through the trap door with torches, swords, and clubs.
    "We make our stand here," Seregil growled, retreating to the southern rampart.
    Back to back, swords at the ready, they stood fast as the grinning mob advanced to form a menacing half circle around them.
    "We have them, my lady. The boy and a beggar man," someone called out.
    More torches bobbed into view, and the men parted for Lady Kassarie. Wrapped in a dark cloak, hair in a loose braid over one shoulder, she advanced to inspect the interlopers. Alec recognized the old manservant, Illester, at her side.
    "Beggar man? Oh, hardly that." She frowned.
    "Lord Seregil i Korit. And-Sir Alec something, isn't it? Had I known of your interest in my affairs, gentlemen, I would have extended you a proper invitation."
    Seregil threw back his tattered cloak and made her a small, mocking bow. "My Lady Kassarie a Moirian. Your recent interest in my affairs was invitation enough, I assure you."
    Kassarie gave him an appraising look. "Your reputation fails to do you justice. Your little jaunt up to Cirna exhibited far more initiative than you're given credit for, and now this! Who would have suspected such enterprise? But then, that was foolish of me. The dandified wastrel you're made out to be could never have inveigled himself so skillfully into the chambers of power."
    "You flatter me, lady."
    "You're too modest, my lord. After all, you've captured the ear of wizards and princesses."
    Kassarie's mouth twisted with a bitter sneer. "But then, you're one of them, aren't you? Some kin to our mongrel royalty? I trust you enjoyed your reunion with Lord Corruth."
    Seregil's jaw tightened. "For that abomination, my lady, you have my family's curse."
    "I shall do my best to be worthy of it. Now tell me, on whose behalf have you invaded my home?"
    "We're agents of Idrilain the Second, the true and rightful queen of Skala," Seregil replied.
    "Bravely spoken!" laughed Kassarie. "And how unfortunate for me if that were so. Yet I have my own agents, you see, very skillful and reliable ones. If you were working for the Queen I would know. No, I think your Aurлnfaie ties go a bit deeper than is generally supposed. Your people would be only too happy, I'm certain, to discredit Skalans loyal to the true line!"
    A strange, hectic light came into her eyes as she spoke these last words. Gripping his sword more tightly, Seregil thought with disquieting certainty, She's going to kill us.
    "It's of small importance, I suppose," she went on darkly. "Your disappearance may cause a certain stir, but few, I think, will mourn you."
    "Others will come," Seregil retorted. "Others like us, when you least expect them."
    "And find me flown. That fool Teukros did more harm than you could. But you know about Teukros, don't you? This boy came asking for him." Her gaze shifted to Alec. "And repaid my hospitality by seducing my scullery maid."
    "She didn't know anything," Alec told her, suddenly fearful for the girl. "I tricked her into letting me in."
    "Ah, the gallant suitor speaks." Kassarie gave him a mocking smile. "A position in the great city, promises of passion to come-How pathetically common, but so effective. But she proved a poor choice for your dupe. Her aunt caught her sneaking out with a traveling bundle a short while ago."
    "We soon beat the truth out of her," Illester cackled. "The girl never was very reliable."
    "Please, don't hurt her," Alec said weakly.
    "Of course, I can't help feeling a bit sorry for the poor, homely thing," Kassarie continued. "She was heartbroken to learn of your perfidy. But you'll have a little time to reflect on that. Gentlemen, throw down your swords!"
    Seregil felt Alec tense behind him, awaiting his lead. Studying Kassarie's imperious face in the torchlight, he weighed the chances of coming down off this roof alive. It seemed doubtful.
    "I've little faith in your hospitality," he replied, stalling for time.
    Think, man, think! Find a thin spot in the mob!
    How far to the stairs, the tower door?
    "You've given me quite enough trouble for one night,"
    Kassarie snapped, losing patience. "Look around! You can't fight your way out. Look behind you. A thousand feet down.