A new plan formulates, one that doesn’t involve as much risk, as much heartache.
Maybe what I really need to do is go straight through the rings, directly to the City of Dis. If Lucifer wants to judge me, I can make it happen a lot faster than getting sidetracked by the Immortals and all their emotional baggage.
I stare down at Armin’s shadow, and wipe the tears from my eyes. Quietly and carefully I go to the paper-covered window and unlatch the lock. It opens easier than I expected, and with a quick glance back, I sling my leg over the windowsill, then lower myself to the ground.
A moment later I’ve secured it back, and I’m running away from the cabin, searching in the dark for a trail, or road, or something to get me back on my mission.
“Where do I go?” I ask, glancing toward the dark night sky. “Help me find my way.”
The clouds part overhead, casting a bright glow across the landscape. A river glints in the distance, confirming that they’re here and listening. That I’m doing the right thing. I say a quick thank you to the gods and head out on my own.
I walk for hours, through the night, the moon lighting my way and the river acting as my guide. The water rus
hes past quickly, and it makes the air cooler, which is good. It keeps me awake. At dawn, I make a bed out of leaves and sleep in the nook of a tree. It’s fitful—lacking in real rest. I’m caught in the circles, a conglomeration of Armin fighting in the arena, Rupert’s court, and the Vampire’s gnashing teeth. It’s afternoon when I wake, coated in a thin layer of sweat. My stomach rumbles as I continue my journey, hopeful that I’m on the right track. No other circle has taken so long to get to—or maybe it just seems longer. Time is elusive and confusing here.
At twilight, I catch a different scent in the air, salty. White and gray seagulls cut through the sky, their cries soft and lost in the wind as they prepare to settle in their nests for the night. Soon, other smells and sounds tickle my senses. Frying foods, the echo of laughter, footsteps on cobble stone streets. The river widens and tall sails jut into the air. Beyond that I see boxy-shaped buildings of a port town.
Is this my destination?
Whatever it is, I plan to stop, eat, and recoup.
Night falls as I enter the town, the streets lined and brightened with gas lamps. It’s a busy place, filled with restaurants and bars, shops with fancy clothing in the windows. I spot a bookstore and a gallery. People dine on patios, the women in small hats perched on their heads. Suddenly I feel self-conscious about my ragged leathers but when I look down, they’re gone. My clothing replaced by a long dress, with a wide skirt that drags the ground. It’s uncomfortable and bulky, but the fabric is made of soft silk. If I hadn’t suspected already, that’s the confirmation I need that yes, I’ve found the fourth circle.
Greed.
That explains the wealth and finery. It also explains, upon further exploration, the darkened alleys dotted with casinos. My fingers graze a small purse slung across my chest. I look and see there is a handful of gold and silver coins inside. A gift from who? Lucifer? One of the gods? Do they want me playing down in the casinos, betting away my money and soul? Too bad for them, I’m a warrior. Money has little use for me for anything other than basics. Right now, even though my appetite is dull, my stomach rumbles in protest. My last meal in the Vampire’s Den. It seems a lifetime ago.
The smell of butter and sugar catches my attention, drawing me from the gaping hole in my chest. I’m in front of a bakery; cookies and cakes in the window. My feet guide me in the front door.
“Can I help you?” a girl asks from behind the counter.
“Uh.” I look at the massive case. There are breads and cheeses, macaroons and pies. I start pointing, and the worker fills a bag. I push over the coins from my purse and walk out with a roll stuffed in my mouth. I stop, just to groan in pleasure. Money definitely can buy nice things, even if it is just bread.
I walk down the road, stuffing my face with the delicious treats, scanning the area. I don’t see anyone familiar or anything of interest. Maybe my plan of passing through the circle will work. Loud voices catch my attention from inside one of the casinos. Through the wide window I see a circular gambling table flip over, spilling coins on the ground. A group of men surround the upset gambler and I quickly move down the road, toward the port. It’s the first large body of water I’ve seen since being in Hell, and it seems significant. Is the way out of here by boat?
I start down a steep hill, cursing the shoes that match the dress.
I’m barely halfway down when the clang of a bell tolls from somewhere in the distance. From the immediate reaction of the citizens, it’s definitely an alarm. The happy noises of the town are taken over by a mad scramble.
Everyone seems to know what to do. That is—everyone but me. People rush into houses, bolting their doors, drawing their shades and turning off the lights. The music stills, taken over by the sound of hoofbeats on the cobblestone. I grab the folds of my dress and run, ducking down a dark alley, just as the horses ride through the town. Loud shouts echo down the narrow corridor. I crouch behind a wooden storage box. Wicked, male laughter fills the streets, taunting and mean. Whoever these men are, they carry torches and bust down doors. I see a shadow move across a back window. A solider in shiny armor pushes a woman against her cabinets.
“I’m here to collect taxes.”
She reaches for a jar on top of the cabinet, almost dropping it. She fumbles with the coins.
“That’s not enough,” he says, pocketing what she gives him.
“That’s what I paid last time.”
“There’s been an increase,” he replies, leering at her. “Don’t worry, love, you can pay it other ways.”
My stomach twists and I instinctively reach for my dagger. It’s gone, like the rest of my clothing, and as I’m trying to decide what to do, if I can fight, the sound of a horse neighing at the end of the ally draws my attention. With my voice caught in my throat I slink away, deeper into the alley, hoping there’s an exit on the other end. If not…
I get to the end and exhale in relief when I see a narrow gap between the buildings. I squeeze though, the goddamned dress taking up too much space. With both hands I push myself out the other side, stumbling forward. Someone catches me and I look up into the face of a grinning solider.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” His eyes flick over my head and my stomach drops. I glance behind me and see that there’s another solider a few feet away. His face greasy with sweat. A wicked smile on his face.
“Take it,” I say, tossing my purse on the ground. I know I can’t fight them both without a weapon, and especially in this damned dress.