Of Noble Chains (The Ventori Fables) by D.L. Miles

had passed the bridge.
    Mal’s eyes peeked out of the alley, curious to see if the stranger was anywhere nearby.  But when he turned around he was suddenly looking down on the Ventori girl.
    “What in the name of the Light are you doing here?” she asked him, for the second time that night.  He had forgotten he lowered his shield, and she could easily see him.
    “I was just…following you,” he admitted, not wanting to lie to her.  Mal didn’t like lying, even if it was to someone like her, someone who hated and was so close-minded towards Specter’s.  “I see you are having trouble getting into the club.”
    “I’ll get in,” she said, “so you and your creepy stalking self can go away back to your lair while I try and find a murderer.”
    Mal grimaced in the darkness.  “I am not the one stalking you.  Besides, you Ventori girl, what are you going to do when you meet Achaicious?  Accuse him outright like you did me?”
    “I’ll figure that part out when I get there,” she declared and whirled back around.  Mal felt a smile grow across his face as he watched her go.  He kind of liked that she didn’t back down easily, even to him.  But that tenacity was surely going to get her killed sooner rather than later, most likely tonight.
    “I can help you,” Mal found himself saying as he took a step towards the girl.  A firm hand planted on his shoulder and he jumped to find the stranger there.  “Who are—“
    “Zia!” The stranger called out.  She spun around again, ready to attack Mal but paled as she saw him.
    “What are you doing here?” she, Zia, Mal noted her name, asked.  She seemed to ask that a lot.
    “I’ve been following you,” he stepped forward and Mal’s stomach lurched upwards.  He dashed in front of the stranger, readying himself for a fight.  And a strong fight it would be; Mal hadn’t even heard this man approach.  Not a simple accomplishment.
    “I do not know who you are,” Mal said, his fingers stiffening, “but I suggest you leave her be before I do something I will regret.”
    Instead of leaving, or even cowering, the man laughed, loud and hearty.  He slapped another hand on Mal’s shoulder and pushed him aside as easily as Zia had in the woods.  “Calm down,” he said, “she’s my student.”
     
    “Aeryn,” Zia came into the strange argument, eyeing Mal, “what are you doing here?  And why are you following me?”
    “You know him?” Mal asked, his stature relaxing just slightly.  Zia only gave him a nod, still trying to wrap her head around the fact that he had tried to protect her.  Such a strong Caster and Specter was ready to fight to save her; she just didn’t understand that.
    “I thought you might look into the suspects yourself,” Aeryn shrugged, “which in most cases are very dangerous.  Present company excluded.”  He shot a look at Mal.
    “Ah, thank…you,” Mal said back, unable, or unwilling, to make eye contact.
    “But Zee, let me ask you something,” Aeryn rested a hand on Zia’s shoulder, “why aren’t you taking his help?  Do you not want the most power Caster on your side?”
    “He’s a Specter,” Zia spat, “why would I want his help?”
    “You can’t assume they’re all evil,” Aeryn gave her a pitying look and she hated it.  What was with this day?  Everyone was trying to convince her that Specter’s were good?  They were nothing but killers!
    “I only wish to help you understand,” Mal said, taking a small step into the alley.
    “I understand just fine, thanks,” Zia made sure her abhorrence came through to both of them.  She might admire Aeryn, but she wasn’t going to accept his thoughts on Specter’s so easily.
    Aeryn grimaced and turned to Mal.  “You think you can get her in?”  He nodded in response.  “Good, then if you don’t mind, give her a hand.”
    “I don’t need his help!” Zia shouted.
    “Zia,” Aeryn sounded like he had lost his patience, “let him help you.