I didn’t want to touch my sword.

  This wasn’t the first time I had seen someone killed in the game. There were two other bodies lying next to the smelly idiot. It was the calm about Johnnie as he did it. He had just killed with the same calm and ease that he used when he tied his shoes.

  I wanted to throw up.

  I felt a tug on my arm. At least I thought it was my arm. I couldn’t tell

  “Kat.” The smooth voice snapped me out of my stupor. “We have to go.”

  I smiled at Michael. I was thankful for him.

  Johnnie offered me Fulgar Sectis, but I shook my head. “I messed up my hand.”

  The shorter man shrugged and slid it into his belt. He winked at Michael, “We’ve got you covered.”

  Michael took my hand and inspected it. He reached into his pocket for a potion.

  “We need arrows!” Johnnie shouted.

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  Michael pulled his hand out of his pocket and reached for his bow.

  I looked up the road; four more thugs were running towards us. Their swords were drawn and hungry for victims.

  Michael unleased his first arrow. It flew true at its target but shattered against an invisible barrier.

  A fifth figure appeared from behind an invisible cloak. His greasy hair and rodent features had lent to his nickname.

  Mouse had personally come to get us.

  It wasn’t much, but I saw the shiver in Michael’s hand. It hadn’t been very long since he had been the prisoner of the fanatical shaman. The thought of repeating my own experience with the small man sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn’t imagine what Michael must be feeling.

  The thugs had stopped moving now that their leader had taken the field. There was no reason for them to step out of the invisible barrier that protected them from the second arrow that Michael had notched.

  “Bring her.” Mouse ordered.

  Panic filled my stomach. I braced myself for the thugs to come grab me, but the ones around Mouse didn’t move. Three more thugs came up the road, pushing a bound and gagged Asian woman.

  “This woman has killed more of my men than anyone.” Mouse kicked her in the stomach before looking up at us. “I’ll trade her for the girl.”

  Mei looked horrible. Her clothes were in rags; bruises and cuts covered most of her body. I couldn’t imagine how hard she must have fought. I don’t think there was only one person in the game as strong as her.

  “That’s a good offer,” Johnnie swaggered forward. “I’ll take it.”

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