The falcon's daughters

Chapter 41

The darkness lay heavy in the cold winter night. Through the shadows a man crept forward in a deserted stone corridor. He looked for a thick wooden door. The rotten wood muffled his knock and he quietly opened the door and stepped into the room. In a fireplace the flames blazed loudly and the crackling sound filled the air. A man stood by the fireplace and looked into the hot flames.

- You called master?

The man turned and looked at him with cold black eyes.

- I have an assignment for you.

- Yes, master. Who is the target?

- Nochd.

A face took shape in the flames and he nodded at it.

- Here is your target. He will attend the midwinter ball like he does every year. You will get your chance there.

- But, the law ...

He fell silent abruptly and backed away when hatred filled the man's face and distorted the already disfigured face.

- Yes, master.

The man pointed towards a tiny green vial that was placed on a small table.

- Take that. Pour it over your weapon. The poison has been carefully prepared. Once they discover the true identity of the poison, it's too late. No one will be able to save him.

He took the vial and left the room to return to the shadows. The man turned back to the fire and the hypnotic dancing of the flames and laughed softly.

- I have waited long enough now. The dominion over this world will be mine and all its miserable creatures will crawl before me.

Kit took a deep breath and turned to the mirror. An unknown woman stared back at her. She pulled her hands over the green dress and small white crystals glistened in her dark hair when she sighed with uncertainty.

- Sol, do I have to do this? I don't look like ... me.

- Nonsense. 

Sol smiled and adjusted one of the gold pearls tycker into her long dark curls.

- You look amazing. I'm not going to let you back out now.

Her gaze slid over her sister and caught on to the worn tips of her boots that appeared under the hem of her dress.

- I just wish you had a pair of other boots, but they will have to do.

She took her sisters hand in hers and frowned her brow at the black gloves.

- These however will not. You can not wear a pair of black gloves at a ball.

Sol left the room and Kit turned away from the mirror with a sigh. She went to the window and looked out over the snow-covered landscape. In the city below her, torches burned along the city streets. Above her, thousands of stars sparkled and the twin moons shone down at her.

- Here, try them on.

Sol returned and handed her a pair of skin-colored gloves. 

- I'm still not sure we should be at the ball Sol.

Kit exchanged her black skin gloves to the ones Sol brought. They were the softest thing she had ever worn but they didn't take away the lump in her stomach.

- Trust me little sister. We have to be involved. Something important will happen tonight. Come on, it's time.

They left the room and went down to the ballroom. The large room was adorned with gold fabrics and red tapestries that covered the walls. Frames with hundreds of candles hung from the ceiling. Along the sides of the room were several long tables full of small dishes and spicy wine. At the far side of the hall, a stage had been built where some musicians were playing. They stopped in the doorway and Kit glanced quickly - at Sol, who was looking at the room with shining eyes.

- I've never seen a room so beautiful before.

- You don't think there's a lot of people here?

- Oh Kit, don't be a coward now. I'm almost starting to think that you're someone else and not my sister.

- You know what Sol. That might be the best idea I've heard so far. I'll see if I can find someone who wants to swap with me.

She turned to hurry out of the hall when a pair of hands were placed on her shoulders and turned her towards the hall again. Cade smiled down at her.

- Don't think I'm going to let you walk out on this. Not after the work we put into teaching you how to dance.

- This wasn't a good idea. I'm going back to my room. I don't feel so good.

Cade looked at Sol with a hint of worry in his eyes and she smiled nicely at him.

- My sister seems to have lost all her courage tonight.

- Then let's see if we can't get it back for her. You're both very beautiful tonight.

He took Kit's hand and planted a soft kiss on the back of her hand before he placed it on his arm and offered Sol his other arm. Smiling, she put her hand there and they entered the hall. Lee stood on the other side of the hall and he smiled as they approached.

- You look like you're on your way to your execution Kit. A little well dressed for such an occasion, of course.

- That was my brother's way of saying that you look beautiful.

Lee pretended to look hurt by Cade's glare at him before he burst out into a laugh.

- I thought that was what I said. I must have lost my touch. Well my ladies. You are very beautiful. Now was that good enough?

- I guess it will have to do.

Sol laughed at his behavior and he bowed to her.

- Then if I'm forgiven, maybe my lady would honor me with this dance?

- It would be my pleasure.

Kit saw her sister take Lee's hand and disappear into the crowd. Cade leaned over to whisper in her ear.

- Nothing dangerous happens on balls. You don't have to be afraid.

- I'm not afraid!

- Good then you can dance with me.

Realising she stepped into his trap she moaned as he took her hand and pulled her out amongst the dancing couples. 

- Are you sure this is a good idea? I'll just step on your feet again.

- My feet will survive.