Talon grinned when Shadow walked back into the small cabin. She was in full blue mode.

"That s.h.i.t-eatin' grin tells me you still think this asinine plan of yours is necessary?"

He had to give her credit for sheer stubbornness. Her reaction to his counteroffer made him look forward to tomorrow. The next few weeks should be interesting.

"Only if you intend to keep me sober. I guess that makes this your plan, not mine."

"Will you get your a.s.s off the floor? You look like a d.a.m.n idiot sitting there half-dressed. We have a lot to cover and I'd like to get started at first light."

"Hmm, that's s.h.i.t, a.s.s, and d.a.m.n...do they earn me three kisses or have we not initiated the terms of our contract? I only ask because I'm quite comfortable down here but if I'm disobeying an order by...."

"Shut up! Stand up! Sit down! Don't raise that eyebrow at me. You know d.a.m.n good and well I pointed to the chair. You are seriously p.i.s.sin' me the f.u.c.k off!"

He didn't know she was pointing to a chair. All he saw was an outstretched arm but he didn't think it would be wise to mention that. He liked keeping her fl.u.s.tered. "Guess that means the contract hasn't started; therefore, your command is my wish." He pushed himself off the floor and walked toward where she pointed. The slightly different angle allowed him to see the fire pit and the void created in the heat image or he would have to stumble around until he found it.

"This so-called contract starts when we reach the training site but you can't start drinking again. There's fresh water in the mug six inches to the left of your right hand."

Years of practice taught him to move slowly and deliberately when reaching for something with no heat image. Very few people could accurately judge distance and more often than not, he ended up being the b.u.t.t of a morbid game of let's f.u.c.k with the blind guy. There was a lot of wasted ale before he learned that lesson.

"Thanks," he mumbled before swallowing half the cool liquid. "A chance at delivering justice to Draagon and his Phantom Riders is more important that a drink." d.a.m.n. Did I just say that? "So, what now?"

"We'll get to that in a minute. If I ask a personal question will you answer?"

"Depends on what you consider personal." He leaned back in the chair trying to quell the shiver of unease crawling up his spine.

"Kierin explained how your implants work but I'd like to know a little more before we get this started. We'll be isolated during the training and I need specifics so I don't end up doing more damage."

"There's nothing more to tell. I can only see body heat." He wasn't entirely comfortable with her questions. How could he explain what he didn't understand himself? Kierin knew more than he did. h.e.l.l, Shadow probably knew more about his condition than he did. If he were honest, he'd admit he didn't care enough to learn more. It was easier to drown the resentment and self-loathing in strong alcohol than to contemplate a new lifestyle.

"Yeah, I get that; but, what else do you see? Shadows? Fuzzy edges? I've used night-vision goggles on several occasions and it was like walking around in the dark. I could make out trees, buildings, vehicles. They were shadowy but distinct. What limits do I need to compensate for when we start training?"

"Guess your goggles aren't powered by crystals. I see nothing beyond the heat image. It's just flat, endless darkness. If I had a special woman in my life she'd be constantly disappointed and hurt because I couldn't tell her how pretty she is or how nice her new dress looks on her. The hurt I would see because emotions change your body heat and there would be nothing I could do about it." He didn't even try to mask his bitterness. Did she have any idea of what talking about his condition did to him? He worked hard to keep that segment of his life buried deep beneath a mental scar.

"I watched you in Cypriana. You picked up dice and coins and G.o.d knows you found every full gla.s.s placed in front of you."

"It's a trick I learned the hard way. I have to watch the people. Say I order a cold ale. When the bartender puts it on the bar I see his arm extend in my direction so I a.s.sume he's serving my drink. He could just as easily be holding a gun at my chest or getting ready to shove a knife between my ribs." h.e.l.l, he might as well tell her everything. It's not like he could hide his limitations.

"You mentioned earlier that you pointed to this chair, remember?" Talon waited for her to verbally acknowledge his question. If this was going to work she had to realize nods and shakes and small gestures were useless.

"Yeah. So?"

"So... your arm made a wide sweep. You could have been pointing at the fire pit or tossing the dregs of your beverage into the fire. This plan you and Dak have cooked up won't work unless you can verbalize your instructions down to the most precise details. My sense of direction and distance is uncommonly accurate but the rest is up to you."

"Well, h.e.l.l." She huffed. "That puts a whole new face on this operation. May take longer than originally planned." Her fingertips beat a rapid tattoo against the table.

"Does that mean you're giving up?" s.h.i.t! I sound like a panicked schoolgirl.

"What? Oh, h.e.l.l no! I'm just thinking out loud. Sorry, a.s.shole, but you're stuck with me to the bitter end. Just one thing...I don't own a dress so you don't have to worry about hurting my tender little feelings."

Talon couldn't stop the bark of laughter at her singsong comeback. He refused to examine the surge of relief zipping through his system. He wasn't interested in learning anything from Shadow. It was his determination to see her lose control over her aura that caused his heart rate to jump. Right. If he repeated that often enough he might actually start believing it.

"Where is this training area of yours?"

"I was going to start right here, but in light of the past few minutes, I think we need something more open...isolated. Looks like we may be stuck here while I locate something better."

"What are you looking for?" He was not looking forward to spending more time on that lumpy cot. Nightmares seeped into fabric just waiting for the chance to attack again.

"Isolated with a.s.sorted types of terrain. Draagon won't just plop down in a comfy chair and wait for you to reach him. Good water and a steady food source. Shelter from the elements. I also need a large flat area free of any underbrush-hard-packed clay would be ideal but I can work with close-cropped gra.s.ses as long as there are no large rocks."

Talon couldn't believe what her words created in his head. He hadn't thought about there in more than twenty years. Did he dare return? Everything she wanted in a training area was there and he knew for a fact that nothing but the creatures placed there by the G.o.ds countless millennia past still breathed the air there.

"I know a place," he whispered. Despite all his grumbling and complaining; despite the horrific nightmares of drying out; despite all his protests he wanted the chance at the life Shadow offered. G.o.ds help him if her plan failed.

"Great. Where"

"We're gonna need a boat."

Chapter Seven.

Talon bit the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning. When he told Shadow they would need a boat, she a.s.sumed he was talking about the seaport at Cypriana. They were currently waiting for the seventh-and final-s.p.a.ce transport to dock on Karphor. From here, they would sail for three or four days, depending on the weather, before docking at their final destination.

He had to give her credit. Not one single obscenity had pa.s.sed her lips since they packed up and left that cabin in the woods ten days ago. Her constant grumbling and mumbling kept him entertained. The inventive intelligence and creative imagination she kept hidden under her swagger gave birth to some hilarious subst.i.tutions for the more colorful words in her vocabulary. Just this morning she called him a sweet ol' bill. It didn't take too many brain cells to conclude that was code for s...o...b..

"Did you say something, sweetness?" He whispered against her ear, grinning when those little sparks of color flashed around her head.

"I told you to stop using those...endearments. You're just doing it to make me angry so I'll break our deal. Not going to happen, matted fish b.a.l.l.s. I'm talking to myself so you can take your sorry a.s.s-istance back to your own side of the aisle and leave me alone."

He didn't even try to hold the laughter back. "You almost said a bad word, Blue. I'll leave you to your one-sided conversation but...my hearing is much better than normal, remember? Just one of the compensations for being blind as a bat."

"You're really enjoying this, aren't you?" She grumbled in his general direction. "Laughter will be the last thing on your mind when the training starts. What's the name of this place again?" She grabbed her bag from the storage bin above her head, preparing for landing.

"Ta'Londal-Ar." Just saying the name of his home brought a sharp stab of pain to his heart. He hadn't been back since he was a young boy of twelve summers.

His mind carried him home. The steep hills, rising from the ocean like giant guardians, stood watch over the island. Lush fields of golden grain danced with the ever-present breeze. Endless forests sheltered game-both four-legged and winged-and provided materials for homes. The beauty and bounty of nature provided sustenance and serenity to the three hundred families who lived there. They were a peaceful tribe devoted to art and music and learning. They weren't prepared for Draagon and his evil.

Talon shut down the memories. It was hard enough making this trip without reliving the nightmare of his youth. He shouldered his gear and followed Shadow's distinctive blue outline off the transport.

"I'm going to kill that miserable excuse of manhood." Shadow ground out between clenched teeth. For three of the four days aboard this heaving, rocking instrument of torture, a storm tried its best to kill them. Talon promised her they would reach the island by dinnertime. The disgusting aroma of greasy, fried fish meant two things. One-it was approaching that time; and two-if she had anything left in her stomach she'd be hanging over the rail-again. Just the thought of food had her gagging.

The man responsible for her misery stood in the bow of the boat. What did he see when he stared into the rain? There was nothing to give off body heat so what drew him to spend hours in the same spot?

"Land! Dead ahead!" The shout came from the captain.

Shadow never thought to hear anything so sweet in her life. The captain and his crew tried to make the voyage as pleasant as possible but it was a fishing boat not a cruise ship.

"Come on, Blue. By the time we get packed and back on deck you'll see the dock."

s.h.i.t! How did he move so fast and quiet on a wet, tilting surface?

"Thank the G.o.ds. Maybe by the time our contract is complete I'll be willing to get back on another boat, but I make no promises." It took all her strength to haul herself along the safety line to the ladder leading below deck. Talon walked beside her without needing the tether, his knees absorbing the pitch like he'd been born and raised on the sea.

"If you want off the island you have to take a boat. It's a large island but there's no landing strip and there's never been a motorized vehicle here."

Shadow shook the water from her poncho before hanging it on the wall by the ladder. It didn't keep her totally dry in the blowing storm but it was better than nothing. Below deck was warmer but she knew it was just a matter of minutes before her dry heaves started again.

"Let's get packed and out of here." She croaked, fighting the urge to gag.

"Go back topside, Blue. I'll get our gear." His chuckle followed him down the hall.

"Farktel bas-ket." She mumbled, remembering at the last minute that he could probably hear if she said what she was thinking.

"Another close call, sweetness? What exactly does farktel mean?" Talon's voice floated up the hall.

Knowing he couldn't see what she was doing, Shadow flipped him a one-finger salute before dragging herself back up into the storm. Soaking wet beat dry heaves any day.

It took another hour before she could stumble down the gangplank onto the dock. She staggered and would have fallen into the water if Talon hadn't grabbed her arm.

"Easy, babe. Your legs are used to the moving deck. You don't want to tumble into the ocean while you adjust to land."

She really hated it when she wasn't in complete control. To show that weakness to Talon made it so much worse. Leaning on his arm, she managed to stay upright until they reached dry land.

"How far to Ta'Londal-Ar?" Sleep was impossible during the storms and combined with nothing in her stomach for days, she was as close to the end of her endurance as she'd ever been. She needed food and a flat surface. In that order. The food didn't have to be hot and the flat surface just had to be dry.

"That's the name of the island, princess. The main village is just over the rise. There are pockets of farms in the hills and a number of fishing shacks used to follow the tree line."

"How do you know there's a rise?" She asked.

"I used to live here, remember?"

Shadow nodded before she remembered he couldn't see her movements. Since he didn't seem to need an answer from her she just kept walking. She finally looked around her; something she should have done the instant she stepped off the boat. That kind of mistake could get you killed. The harbor held slips for maybe a hundred boats of varying sizes. There were only a couple still floating amid the sunken remains being tossed around in the storm. She didn't see any indication of the fishing huts Talon mentioned because the rain was just too heavy. The captain a.s.sured her the storm would pa.s.s before morning and she hoped he was right. It was hard to tell much more through the driving rain. She would have to come back in a day or two.

"Come on, Blue, there's a warm, dry bed waiting for us and if you're extra nice to me, I'll even sleep in a separate room."

Yep. No doubt about it. She had to kill him. Too tired to think of something pithy to say, she settled for a snort.

Twenty minutes later they entered what was left of the village. The few houses they pa.s.sed were mostly ruins. Time and the elements weren't kind to vacant structures. The farther they got from the dock, the number of buildings increased. After circling around two sides of a central square, she spotted a house still intact. "There's one with a roof."

"I need a little more direction, Shadow."

"Sorry. Ahead about fifty feet, turn right. It's the second gate." She thought she heard Talon gasp but couldn't be sure because of the storm raging around them.

"Are the shutters blue?"

He tightened his hold on her arm. "You're hurting me, Talon. Ease up, okay? I can't tell for certain about the shutters. It's getting dark."

Talon knew the shutters would be blue like he knew the door was spring green. He knew there were five paces from the gate to the porch and three paces from the top of the steps to the door. Inside the left side door of the hall closet were initials-his-carved the day his father presented him with his first knife. His mother took the knife away when she saw what he'd done. No way in h.e.l.l could he go inside that house.

"Not that one." He pulled Shadow back onto the main road.

"What's wrong with this one? I'm wet, cold, tired, and hungry. You better have a d.a.m.n good reason for turning this one down."

"It's personal," he muttered, wiping the rain from his face. He hoped like h.e.l.l it was just rain. "My reason is so strong that I won't demand that kiss for your slip." He kept walking. "How about the yellow house next door?"

"How did...never mind, I don't care as long as we can get out of this never-ending rain. Yes, the yellow one is mostly intact. Now, can we please go inside?"

Chapter Eight.

It was harder than he imagined. He expected a flood of bad memories. Instead, he was bombarded with fragments and flashes since setting foot on the dock last night. Faces without substance. Bits of conversation out of context. He foolishly thought he was prepared for them. What a load of c.r.a.p! The reality of coming back gave a whole new definition to 'nightmare'.

Shadow stomped around the room next to his, at the end of the hall. She wanted answers and, come sunrise, she'd be beating on his door. They were both too tired from the trip. The effort it took to start a fire and heat water for tea was almost more than either of them could manage. He figured he had maybe another thirty minutes before she came looking for him. A stiff shot of liquor would burn the cobwebs from his brain; but that wasn't happening, so he better come up with enough history to put an end to her questions. There was no way in h.e.l.l he was going to spill his guts about everything.

The house was in better condition than they had any reason to expect. The front room was still weather-tight and the gla.s.s windows intact. Two of the four bedrooms had beds with ratty mattresses. It was better than some of the hovels he'd slept in over the years-even before his blindness. The roof leaked in the back of the house if the smell of mold and mildew were any indication. His memories of the family that once lived and loved in this house were vague and disjointed. Twelve-year old boys don't pay a lot of attention to anything that doesn't directly impact their lives. If they had children, they were either much older or much younger than him. If he were honest, he didn't remember much about his youth. Self-preservation was stronger than childhood memories. For all intents and purposes, his life ended twenty years ago when Draagon and his Phantom Riders sailed into the harbor.

"Haul your b.u.t.t out here while the food's still hot."

Yep, she sounded p.i.s.sed. Wonder what she would do if I ignore her? Not worth the hostility that could last for hours. He was too tired last night to register how many steps from the door to the bed. Hoping he didn't break his nose running into a wall, he felt his way around the room.

"Good morning, Blue. Did you sleep well?" He managed to find the door without any mishap and the sight of her distinctive blue outline made him smile. What the h.e.l.l! Since when do you care who's around? Must be that syndrome thing...s.h.i.t, what the h.e.l.l is the name of that thing that makes you think you're in love with your captor? Oh, h.e.l.l no!

"Your breakfast is on the table six feet in front of you. We need to get started with your training today. As soon as we finish...,"

Talon no longer heard her voice. The pain exploding through his head was the only reality in his world. Grabbing his head, he collapsed on the floor, fighting the scream clawing at his throat.

"Talon! Dammit, quit pushing me away! Let me help you!"

"Nothing you can do." His clenched jaw made speech difficult. h.e.l.l, breathing was difficult. He couldn't ever remember the pain being this bad-and they were coming more often. What the h.e.l.l did he do to turn an occasional nagging pain behind his eye to this? If he could focus longer than two seconds he'd claw this own eyes out.

"Kierin was afraid this was happening and sent something to relieve the pain."

"It's her d.a.m.n fault." He growled and prayed to every deity in the known universe to die. Could eyeb.a.l.l.s explode?