- a result of his Airborne training.
He was just about to suggest that they move to a better vantage point so they could see what was beyond the row of wagons when Kat reappeared.
One of the men stood up and grabbed her by the arm. Ethan tensed. He tried to hear what they were saying, but was too far away to make out anything other than gruff tones and harsh laughter.
The man threw Kat to the ground. Ethan felt Jonas’ hand grip his arm tightly.
“Fool girl,” Jonas hissed.
The man drew a dagger from his belt and loomed over her. At that moment, a blond woman in a short skirt and loose blouse that exposed much of her ample bosom sauntered out from between the wagons. Kat’s attacker turned to gaze at the new arrival.
The woman, seemingly unconcerned by the dagger, draped her arms around the man’s neck and began whispering in his ear. A moment later three more women appeared, all of them carrying a bottle in each hand. Taking seats around the fire, the trio quickly began engaging the rest of the men in lively chatter. After only a brief hesitation, the man with the dagger put away his weapon and joined his companions.
“Now that’s what I call a distraction,” said Ethan.
Jonas relaxed his grip. “Indeed.”
Kat moved away from the others and sat just beyond the glow of the fire. After approximately half an hour the women got to their feet, and, with a series of suggestive gestures, led the men away into the night. When the last one had gone, Kat waved Ethan and Jonas over.
Remembering Kat’s warning, Ethan kept a sharp eye out for the sentry. But just as they reached her, he heard the soft sound of a woman’s laughter coming from somewhere in the darkness. This was followed by the sound of leather and steel falling to the ground.
“The sentry will be occupied for a while yet,” said Kat, grinning. “Marian will see to that.”
“So you know those women?” asked Jonas with clear disapproval.
“We need to go,” she said, ignoring the question. She led them between the wagons. Just on the other side of these was an archway with an open iron gate. Kat crept up to this and peered through. “Come on,” she whispered when satisfied that all was clear.
After passing through the arch, they found themselves in a dank, narrow alleyway. Lining both sides were dilapidated mud brick buildings with thin slits for windows. Ethan felt his nerves on edge; he was always uncomfortable in confined spaces.
“Who were those men?” he asked.
“Some of them were off-duty guards,” she replied. “The rest were daiva dealers.”
“Daiva?” said Jonas.
Kat glanced back to frown at him. “Don’t tell me you don’t know what daiva is. Where are you from? The Dragon Wastes?”
Jonas scowled. “That’s none of your concern.”
“Daiva is a plant extract,” she explained. “It’s stronger than wine and makes you feel…well…to tell you the truth I’ve never tried it so I don’t know for sure. But it makes people act like they’re drunk.”
“Drugs,” said Ethan. “They sell drugs.” Though he had no personal experience with such things, he was well aware of their existence. Drugs such as heroin and cocaine were everywhere in New York.
Jonas cocked his head. “Drugs? You mean people use it instead of wine?”
Kat nodded. “But it’s not really like wine. It makes people crazy after a while. And the more they use it, the more they want it. Before too long they’ll do anything to keep getting it.”
Jonas shook his head. “Ghastly.”
Crossing the end of the alley was a dimly lit street. The stench of urine and mildew told them that this was not exactly a well-to-do part of the city.
Kat gestured for them to stay back while she checked the way ahead. But just as she reached the corner, a hand shot from around the wall and grabbed her by the wrist. Ethan and Jonas sprang forward, but the hand jerked her from the alley and out of sight.
Ethan was first into the street. Just a few feet away was a stocky man with a sleeveless vest, worn trousers, and muddy boots. He was holding on tight to Kat while she jerked and twisted in a vain effort to free herself.
“Let her go,” ordered Ethan.
The man flashed a crooked smile. “So this is why you wanted us away from the gate.” His voice was high-pitched and raspy. “The girls were a good idea. Too bad for you that my tastes are…different.”
“I