“Begging the marshal’s pardon,” the squad leader said sheepishly, “but there was no body outside. I did not know there was an attempt on Lord Oktar’s life.”

The marshal opened his mouth to berate the squad leader, but he stopped before he had issued a syllable. He rushed to the door and threw it open. He stepped outside and scanned the area for the assassin’s body, but he found nothing.

“He must have an accomplice,” shouted the marshal. “Did you see anyone carrying a body away from the inn?”

“I only saw one person leave the inn since we arrived,” answered the squad leader. “He was a strange looking man with an eye put out. He rode off just a few moments before we were relieved.”

“That is impossible,” shouted the marshal. “That man was dead. I checked him myself.”

“He still knew how to ride a horse,” the squad leader replied sheepishly.

* * *

The river barge bumped to a halt as the lines tugged on the pilings. Mistake adjusted her stance as the movement threatened to topple her.

“I never thought that I would get to see Khadoratung,” MistyTrail said softly as a gangplank was thrown from the dock. “This is exciting.”

“I am glad that you think so,” frowned Mistake. “I doubt that Eltor and Caldal even know that we have arrived. What is wrong with them? They have refused to come out of the cabin the entire trip down the river.”

“They changed even before that,” answered MistyTrail. “When we boarded Emperor Marak’s ship, they started acting weird. I don’t think they like being with us any more.”

“Well I am going to find out what is going on,” Mistake said with determination. “I will not be embarrassed by them in front of the Emperor.”

Mistake strode purposely towards the small cabin in the center of the barge. She opened the door and stepped into the small communal kitchen area. As she approached the ladder to the bunkroom upstairs, she heard the voices of the elves. She froze and listened.