Chapter 20 · Dance of Thorns

"Put the vial down, Doctor." Silas's voice came from behind the iron screen. "Slowly. If you spill one drop, I cut your hands off and let the plague finish the rest."

Kael froze with the glass vial between two fingers. The amber sample trembled inside it, catching the blue light from the church lamps.

He glanced at the locked cabinet, then at the screen. "You should work on your entrance. The dramatic pause is getting old."

"You should work on your obedience."

"I tried it once. Nearly killed me."

Silas stepped into the infirmary, white coat clean, silver prayer chain wrapped around one fist. Two church guards followed him. Their masks covered their mouths, but not their eyes. Both watched the vial.

Kael slid the sample into his sleeve.

Silas smiled. "That was not obedience."

"No. That was me deciding you talk too much."

The nearest guard drew a hooked blade.

Kael moved first. He kicked the metal tray beside him. It shot across the floor and slammed into the guard's knees. The man stumbled.