“I just, hadn’t seen you dressed up.” Gunner finally said. “I know I typically were blood, but a girl does like to look decent from time to time” Val teased. Gunner chuckled at that and led them down to breakfast. After two plates of warm eggs, grits, and slices of bacon, Val sat back, content. “We need more meals like this. It may be simple, but damn their chef can cook,” Val said. Gunner clearly agreed as he signaled the waiter to bring him a third plate. “So, you plan to head out shortly then?” Gunner asked. “If the men are ready, I probably should. According to the maps provided, its only a few hours ride. I should be back tonight. I may miss dinner hour, but shouldn’t be much longer than that.” “The men should be arriving any time now. They have three carriages reserved for the day,” Gunner said as another plate was set before him. “Three? Well, won’t we be a sight.” Val said darkly, remembering how many stares she had received the day previous. One of the marines walked

“Anyone at all could be of note. Now that you two are working together, we should know if a new guard rotation comes in, if anyone of high station, and any other guilds try to make a play on our turf. Now that you see just how powerful Accardo is in Surret, We will do similar in Durres,” Val explained. “When will you be back, miss? You are the one who took over. Doesn’t seem right with you not in town,” Farson said. “You two are more than capable. But hopefully I will be back as soon as Barclay is dead. I would ask you to look around town but I have a feeling if he was here, he has already fled again. You two keep your heads down until morning, and I will make sure Tarra and Major Gunner are ready to go with you. Gunner will escort you back to Durres, and Captain Talwater can pick him and his men up there.” “Yes, Miss,” They both replied. Val stood to leave but turned back to the men, “Talk with Mr. Nyx. I want our enforcers to start training with rifle and pistol. If they can pass

“You are lucky none of these men have had the foresight to just shoot you on sight. Those new weapons are obnoxiously loud, but they seem to have a devastating effect. In time I will teach you ways to ensure you stay out of such a brute’s grasp. Even Lilith had to learn that the hard way. Men can overpower us if they have the brain power to close distance with us. However, speed and cunning will allow you to stay ahead of them, and a simple draft in their cup prior to an encounter can tip the scales in your favor, if not outright remove the need to battle at all.” [Mind link initiating] “What did you do, child? Whom did you connect with?” Andrea asked in a terrified whisper. “No one. I mean, not that I know of.” “No one should be able to initiate contact with the Dark Angel Spark. The networks are secure. Where is your body?” demanded Andrea. “The temple of Michael, southeast of Surret,” Val answered honestly. “Shit,” Andrea said in a very undignified manner. It surprised Val bec

“You BITCH!” Byron screamed as he tried to lunge at her. But even as he moved, his chest convulsed, and he writhed on the ground clutching at the freshly branded tattoo.“I told you to stay away from women. That includes me. Now, be a good little boy and run back to gramps and tell him to stay the FUCK out of my way!” Val yelled.{Deactivate Healing abilities for this man} Val sent the mental command and felt the temple respond. When she was sure it wouldn’t try to heal Byron again, she drew her pistol again.“Just so we are sure you get the message, I am going to make sure your daddy has to spend a good bit of money to put you right again. You will live, but you will wish you had never met me.”She placed the barrel on his chest and fired into his left lung.[Traumatic pneumothorax of left lung achieved]Then she fired another round into his knee.[Wound analysis: non fatal. Some internal ble

Valkyrie watched the city fly by as her carriage drivers rushed her through town and to the east where the airfield lay a short distance past the last homestead. The field consisted of a huge flat expanse of short cut grass with windsocks flapping at each corner. The wind was fairly mild today, just enough to occasionally move the large pendants.The airship was even more impressive up close. It was a monstrosity of modern engineering. Over 100 meters long, the top portion was an elongated balloon with metal ribbing. It was fully inflated and hovered above the ground. Below the main balloon was a long enclosed section that looked like a glass enclosed ship had been glued to the underside of the balloon.Near the center, there was a large glass dome that would allow passengers to look down at the ground below. Val could see two additional smaller balloons that attached to the side of the main section. She wondered what might keep such a craft aloft. Had someone discovered how to harne