CHAPTER 38
It wasn’t until they were nearly at the Black Orchid that Longinus was able to focus on something other than his fear for Rory. They were all hiding in a nearby lane, and Longinus peered cautiously around the corner and down the street.
All seemed normal. The Black Orchid was as he remembered, dark and silent, with only the addition of guards at the door. He ducked back.
“And you’re sure those guards aren’t the Marchioness’ men?” he asked Alice.
The urchin nodded vehemently. “Rory walked past them, and they didn’t blink an eye. They didn’t say nothing when she went in neither. She said they’d been broken.”
“Alright, then what are we waiting for?” Adelma asked, pulling her battle-axe from her belt. “Let’s go, you and me.”
“No, wait,” said Longinus. “If something happens to
