a green cloak with the hood thrown back was waiting in a wagon a few yards away. His black, stringy hair and narrow set eyes made him look almost sickly and frail.
Specter prodded his captives forward. “Don’t let his looks fool you,” he said quietly, reading Ethan’s expression. “Thaddeus is about as deadly as they come.”
“You think they’ll give us a problem?” Thaddeus asked him when they drew closer
“Not if they want to see tomorrow,” he replied.
“We won’t cause you any trouble,” assured Jonas.
Ethan could almost see the wheels turning in Jonas’ mind. For a short time they would be unshackled in order to pass through the city gates without raising suspicion. But he doubted they would remain free for very long after that. Whatever they were going to do, it would need to be done before the chains were put back on.
Specter pointed for Jonas to join Thaddeus in the front and Ethan to get in the rear. “Remember old man,” he warned. “If you say one bloody word when we reach the gates, you’ll get a dagger through your neck the instant after I gut your young friend.”
Thaddeus snapped the reins and the wagon lurched forward. The closer they came to the gate, the more crowded the street became. Soon the wagon was moving at no more than a mere crawl. For a short time Ethan gave serious consideration to jumping off and making a run for it, but Specter was watching his every move. Besides, even if he was lucky enough to get away, he knew that it would likely be a death sentence for Jonas. He could not risk that.
It took them nearly an hour to reach the main gate. There was a line of several wagons and men on horseback on the right hand side of the avenue, while those passing through on foot were to the left. Dozens of armed men, some city guards and others Imperial soldiers, were scattered about checking everyone’s cargo and travel papers.
Specter whispered a curse. “Damn Imperials.” He retrieved two pieces of folded parchment and gave them to Ethan and Jonas. “These are better than the trash you paid for. Even so, say nothing unless you’re asked directly.”
A city guard approached their wagon. He looked up at the group with a scowl. “So where are you off to, Specter?”
He jumped down, a broad smile plastered across his scarred face. “Nowhere special, Captain. Off running errands.”
Ethan noticed him press something into the guard’s palm.
“What’s with all the soldiers?” Specter asked.
The guard shot a disdainful glance over his shoulder to where a group of Imperials were searching a large wagon. “You haven’t heard? Some idiot killed three of their men the other day. Needless to say, they’re not too pleased about it.”
“What fool would do that, I wonder?” Specter responded, shaking his head.
The guard shrugged. “Who knows? Probably best that you’re leaving the city though. Sooner or later they’ll be at the Hareesh’s door asking questions.” He eyed Specter with sudden suspicion. “You’d tell me if you knew anything, of course.”
Specter laughed. “You know I would. I always try to help you and your friends, Captain.”
The man held his gaze for a few more seconds before relaxing. “I’d stay out of town for a bit if I were you. Things are getting pretty tense around here.”
Specter nodded and jumped back into the wagon. The guard took one final look at the others and then waved them through.
Once beyond the gate, Thaddeus let out an exaggerated sigh.
“What’s wrong?” teased Specter. “A bit too much excitement for you?”
He sniffed. “You’re just lucky we didn’t get searched by an Imperial. I doubt your gold and wit would have gotten us past one of them.”
Specter grinned. “I’ll take luck over skill any day.”
“Where exactly are you taking us?” asked Jonas, breaking into their conversation.
“Thinking of escape are you?” scoffed Specter with obvious humor. “In that case, I’ll tell you. I’m taking you fifty miles north to the Imperial garrison. Not that knowing this will do you much good.”
He reached into a sack just behind the driver’s seat. Ethan heard the clank of metal, and before he could protest, a set of shackles had been snapped securely around his wrists.
Specter leaned back with a look of smug satisfaction. “That’s better. Flee if you like, old man. I won’t even try to stop you. But you’ll have to leave your young friend behind.”
Jonas turned to look hard at Ethan.
Specter chuckled. “He’s thinking about it, boy. Some friend