The steady downpour had continued unabated through the entire day. Now, well after sunset, the hiss of the rain as it fell upon the network of covered walkways was both soothing and maddening. Three figures shared the walkway. Dressed in semi-formal evening attire, a large man and a small woman walked arm in arm just a few steps ahead of a second woman, who wore a revealing suit of black leather armor. Rain rolled off of the canopy on either side of them, creating a curtain of water that obscured their view of the city. They traveled north, away from expensive inns and shops in the heart of the city and into the entertainment district, home of the many nightclubs, theaters, and insanely expensive restaurants for which New Venyce was well-known. The entire district sat ten feet above what was considered 'ground level' for the rest of the city, and the massive building that was the town's only legal casino was another twenty feet higher. The octagonal wood and brick domed structure was like a giant cathedral dominating the intersection of six major roads. Instead of stilts or a plain elevated platform, Lowell's Casino rested on massive marble walls, which served as a canvas for decorative paintings by some of the region's most well-known artists. The main entrance sat at the top of a large stairway... a thick royal-blue carpet covered the wide stone steps, and a cloth canvas kept the rain off of the trio as they ascended.

"I suppose no one in this city is afraid of heights," said Theesa.

"Acrophobia would indeed be liability in a place such as this," December replied. The trio passed through the main entrance. The guards... two tall, burly men dressed in matching, perfectly tailored tuxedos... barely gave December and Theesa a second glance. However, they moved to intercept Zade as she tried to pass between them. One of them stepped into her path, and the other made a motion toward the sword that hung from his hip.

"I'm afraid there is a dress-code, ma'am," said the first guard.

"And I'M afraid your next of kin is gonna be getting some bad news tonight if you don't step out of my way."

The second guard cleared his throat and glared at Zade. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

Zade smiled.

"Is there a problem, gentlemen?" said December.

"Dress code," said the second guard. "Semi-formal attire only. THAT-" he pointed at Zade's leather outfit. "Is not semi-formal."

"I GOT yer 'semi-formal' right here!" Zade growled and made a fist.

"Perhaps the management of this establishment will make an exception for my companion," said December.

"Huh? said the first guard. He looked from Zade to December and back again. "She's with you!?"

"Of course she is."

"Oh. Well, sir... I... uhh, don't see a need to make an issue out of this. Next time-"

"Next time I'll just shove my foot-"

"Zade... ?" said December. He and Theesa continued into the casino, and Zade followed. They walked down a short hallway and came to a set of huge double doors. Another pair of guards opened the doors for them... revealing the splendor of Lowell's Casino.

The main floor was a large open space, with clusters of tables devoted to various games of chance and skill. Royal-blue carpet covered the entire floor, and crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. Expensive paintings and sculptures adorned each of the eight walls, turning them into something reminiscent of an art museum. One particular painting, a portrait of a young woman, dominated the room. It was larger and higher than any of the other works of art, and, from its place within the solid platinum frame, the beautiful woman's smile beamed out into the entire casino like a benevolent goddess. The casino was fairly crowded, but the huge room could comfortably hold a crowd twice as large. Well-dressed men wandered from table to table, testing their luck at the dozens of different games. Scantily clad women mingled with them, testing their luck at finding a generous high-roller. Those not blessed with luck this evening sat quietly at the bar, where two bartenders provided them with medicine to soothe their crushed egos. Hard-working waitresses carried trays of drinks to the luckier patrons at the gambling tables. At the far end of the room was a stage, where a band was performing a loud, fast-paced song. Three female singers belted out a rapid-fire stream of melodious lyrics that Zade had difficulty understanding. More than a few patrons were nodding and tapping their feet in time to the music's hypnotic beat. Other's however, were far too involved in the games.

The casino had every conceivable type of game who's outcome could be gambled upon. Zade recognized the common games of blackjack, dice, poker, and roulette, but there were other games that Zade had never seen before... such as the row of strange-looking machines that seemed quite popular. Zade watched as people fed small coins into the machines and pulled a large lever. The machine rattled and made strange noises, and then tiny images began to line up inside a little window. Usually nothing happened after that, but Zade did see one machine cough out a hundred coins from a large slot. Apparently it had something to do with the images in the window...

"Ohh, look! Slot machines," said Theesa. "We'll have to try those!"

December, Theesa and Zade descended a short set of stairs and entered the crowd. Some men and women... especially women... turned from their games to check out he new arrivals, but most of them focused their attention on the matter at hand: winning as much money as possible without loosing it all on the next turn of the card. December strolled past the tables, glancing at some of them and ignoring others completely. Some gamblers shivered in the wake of cold air that December left behind him. Theesa walked close at his side, never getting more than a few feet away. Her forrest-green dress hugged her petite body, revealing curves that received more than a few second-glances from a few passing gamblers. Zade walked behind them both, eyeing the crowd with poorly-disguised suspicion.

"Is the gentleman interested in a game of chance?" said the man at the craps table as December drew near.

"Perhaps I will participate in the next round," replied December. At his side, Theesa had placed her dainty hands on the table and was smiling at the other players. Zade eyed the petite blonde, wondering if Theesa was doing what she THOUGHT she was doing. After all, they WERE here on business, and Theesa's ability to read an object's past was certainly well-suited to the job.

The players took turns throwing the dice, and stacks of gold, silver, and copper coins changed hands. Theesa nodded almost imperceptibly, and December placed a large number of gold coins onto the table along with the bets from the other players. Zade winced... the amount of the bet would draw attention. But perhaps that's what December wanted. The man at the table handed December a pair of ivory dice, which December immediately handed to Theesa. "For luck, my dear," he said. Theesa took the dice and held them for a second... then tossed them out onto the felt-covered table. One die came up 4, the other, 3.

"Seven! Winner!"

As more money changed places, Theesa tugged on December's sleeve. December leaned down and she whispered something into his ear. Zade's sensitive ears picked up the words as well:

"He was here," whispered Theesa. "He and another man were at this table. He didn't say much, but he spent a lot of time watching the crowd. I think they were being followed. They moved on to one of the blackjack tables next, I think."

"Would the gentleman care to try again?"

"The lady wishes to try her luck at blackjack," said December. "And who am I to refuse a request from one as lovely as her?"

December made his way across the room to one of the three blackjack tables. There was a large crowd already gathered around, but the mass of people parted as December pressed forward.

"Whoaa..." said one gambler. "Talk about a cold shoulder!"

"Iceberg commin through!" laughed another.

"Friendly game of blackjack?" said the dealer. He was a young man, quite a bit more animated than the man at the craps table. "Minimum bet is five silver. Closest one to twenty-one without going over wins! Place your bets!"

December placed ten gold coins on the table in a neat, perfectly straight stack. A number of 'Ooos' and 'Ahhhs' went through the crowd.

The dealer dealt the cards. Zade watched the crowd, and was somewhat annoyed that she couldn't see the bar OR the main entrance from where she was standing.

"If your friend was being followed, he wouldn't spend much time at this table," said Zade. "Too many blind spots."

December nodded, though it was unclear whether he was agreeing with Zade or merely studying his cards. Theesa leaned on the table and smiled. After a moment, she gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head, indicating that she could find no trace of Jake Fast at this table.

December's cards were a queen and a three... but he refused another card and thus lost the hand... AND the gold.

"Care to try your luck again, sir?" said the dealer.

"Perhaps I will try another table," December replied.

The dealer shrugged and turned his attention to another player. There was another blackjack table not far away, and this one had a clear view of the front door. December placed his bet... another stack of gold coins that turned quite a few heads. Some women at a nearby poker table detached themselves from whatever potential gold-mine they'd latched themselves onto and began to gravitate in December's direction. The quartet of women were all young and voluptuous... and their expensive silk dresses exposed more skin than they covered. Zade recognized the look in their eyes, and the exaggerated swivel in their hips as they approached.

"This ought to be interesting," said Zade.

"They were here," Theesa whispered. Her hand was stroking the edge of the blackjack table. "But it's hard to get any exact impressions. Maybe a few more minutes..."

The dealer dealt the cards. December examined them briefly...

"Perhaps you would like to hold the cards, my dear," he said. "For luck."

Theesa took the cards... a king and an eight... and was looking at them when one of the women from the poker table ran her finger down December's arm.

"Hi there," said the woman in a sultry voice. December looked at her, then looked down at his arm where she'd touched him. Then he turned towards Zade, who was conveniently looking somewhere else at the time. "How about you let ME hold your cards for you, hmmm...?"

Theesa glanced up from her cards.

"Excuse me?" she said.

"You're excused, little girl," said the woman. "Now run along and play."

Zade chuckled quietly.

"Back off, honey," said Theesa. "He's mine."

"Oh?" said the woman. "And why would a man like this be interested in you?" The woman stroked December's muscular shoulder... "EEEE!" then jerked her hand back as the air around December suddenly dropped to almost a hundred degrees below freezing. The woman's hand was numb, and the fingertips had already turned blue.

"Hey!" the woman's three companions crowded around, and Zade stepped between them and December.

"The lady said to back off," said Zade.

"I was just trying to be friendly," said the woman. She was trying to rub the feeling back into her fingers.

"Oh, is THAT what they call it now?" said Theesa. "'Being friendly'? It's funny how it's gone from prostitution to 'just being friendly.' Hmph. I wonder what they'll call it next."

"Watch your mouth, girlie!"

"Go peddle your wares somewhere else, ladies," said Zade. "You aren't needed... or wanted... here."

"Hey, who do you think you are?" said another woman. "You can't come in here and turn your nose up at us! Not dressed like THAT, anyway!"

"How about I turn my foot up your ass!" said Zade. None of the women appeared to want to tangle with December's bodyguard. They backed away and dispersed to various parts of the casino.

"Harpies!" Theesa snapped. "Go back to your brothel!" One of the women turned and made a rude gesture, to which Zade responded with a sneer and an even ruder gesture.

Meanwhile, December had continued watching the blackjack table as if the entire incident had never happened.

"I will take another card," he said to the dealer. The next card was a three... giving him exactly 21. More gold changed hands, and another round of cards was dealt. December lost the next hand, won the following two, and then lost the next three. All the while, Theesa was examining the cards and running her hands across the surface of the table... seeking stray impressions left behind by previous players.

"Poker," she finally whispered to December. "They went to play poker... that's all I can tell from here."

December nodded and went on to win the current hand. When he stepped away from the table, he was carrying EXACTLY the same amount of money as he'd had when he arrived. He'd broke even... right down to the last copper coin.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" said Zade.

"Did what?" said December.

"Never mind."

They arrived at the nearest poker table, which was already packed with players and spectators. One of the four players had a sizeable stack of coins in front of him. He was a richly-dressed man with more rings and jewels than everyone at the table put together. He also had the most perfect poker-face Zade had ever seen... his expression displayed not one hint of emotion. Not even a HINT of a hint.

"C'mon fellas," said the man with the gold. "Place those bets; I haven't got all night."

"Don't rush me, dammit," replied another player. He frowned, then placed a sizeable stack of gold coins on the table.

The other two players grumbled and threw down their cards. Neither of them had anything close to a winning hand.

"Let's see 'em, Fairforest," said the second player. The first man lay down his cards... revealing a royal flush.

"DAMMIT!" the second player howled. He had three of a kind... he'd just lost a lot of money. "DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!"

"Sorry about that, Bodine... luck of the draw, ya know."

"You and that damned LUCK!" Zade thought she was about to witness a fight, but Bodine calmed down, wiped his brow on his sleeve and began shuffle the cards. "My turn ta deal."

"Hold on there, Bodine," said Fairforest. "This here is where I get off... can't sit her and play all night, I'm leaving town in the morning."

"What?" said the third player. "You aren't gonna give us a chance to win our money back!?"

"You've had six chances already," said Fairforest. "I told ya before I sat down, my time is short." He stood up and began sliding his winnings into a large draw-string pouch. "But maybe this big fella here wants to play, eh?" Fairforest slapped December on the back. "Have a seat you can play in my place. This is the best seat in the house! Not only do ya got three good players here, but Lady Luck herself smiles right down upon ya!" Fairforest pointed up at the large picture on the wall. It did indeed look as if the woman in the picture was looking down at whoever was sitting in Fairforest's seat.

"Ohh, is THAT who that is?" said Theesa.

"Lady Luck!" Fairforest replied.

"Don't pay him no mind," said Bodine. "That's the lady of the house... Felicia Brinks. She ain't never brought no luck to anybody. Not even Gabrial."

"That is Gabrial Brinks' wife?" December asked.

"She's lovely," Theesa added. "How sweet of him to hang her picture here-"

"Sweet!? HA!" said Bodine. "She HATED this place. Wouldn't never set foot through that door when she was alive. When she died, Brinks hung her picture here as a joke! She's probably spinnin' around in her grave right now."

"Oh," said Theesa. "That's rather mean of him, don't you think?"

"No meaner than her dying on him," Bodine said with a shrug. "Died in childbirth, she did. Son died just a few years later... he was a sickly boy, it's a wonder he lived that long."

"Hey!" said one of the other players. "We're here to play cards! Ya keep talking about death and you'll jinx the table!"

"Yeah, right," said Bodine. "Have a seat, fella... How much money ya willin to loose?"

"I do not plan on loosing," said December.

"HA!" Bodine laughed. "NOW yer startin ta sound like Fairforest!"

December sat down.

"So what's your name, stranger?" said Bodine.

"I am December."

"When ya gotta go, ya gotta go," said Fairforest, who had just finished collecting his sizeable winnings. "And I gotta go... perhaps we'll play again on my next trip through!"

"Yeah, yeah," said Bodine.

"Good luck to you, sir!" Fairforest said to December.

"Luck is for the unskilled," December replied.

"Oh, HOO!" said Bodine. "You know how to PLAY this game, do ya?"

"You may distribute the cards when ready."

Bodine began to 'distribute the cards'. Zade watched him carefully.

"Hey," said Bodine. He paused in his dealing and turned to look at Zade. "You playing?"

"No."

"Then stop crowding the damn table! SHE can stay-" Bodine pointed at Theesa. "But YOU give me the creeps."

"Uh-huh," the other player agreed.

"Zade," said December, "Perhaps you will have a better view of the room from some other vantage point."

"I can see-"

December cleared his throat loudly... and Zade understood. Whatever information he was planning on extracting from the gamblers would be easier to obtain without an armed mercenary looming over the table. Not that he even NEEDED her in the first place.

"Fine. I'll be at the bar."

Zade wandered the room for a few moments and eventually ended up where she said she was going to be. She leaned her back against the bar and stared out at the crowd, paying special attention to the entrance and the poker table. She scanned each person briefly, not dwelling on a single individual for more that a few seconds... usually that was as long as it took to determine if someone was a threat or not. There was no shortage of suspiscious-looking people, but the vast majority of them were too busy with their own gambling to be a threat to anyone else. Almost no one came through the front door; it appeared that everyone who was going to be here was here already.

"Booooriiiiinnng..." she sighed.

Zade found herself watching December and Theesa. Theesa was like a blonde shadow... never more than a few yards away from December. And December didn't seem to mind. In fact, when she wandered too far away he would pause in whatever he was doing and would not continue until she was within arms reach. He wanted her close... and she wanted to BE close. Her smile was a little wider and more genuine when she was near him. She was enjoying herself... not because she was at a casino or because December was on a mean winning streak, but simply because she was with him. She'd probably be smiling just as much if December had taken her into the sewers. And what about December? Zade watched him, trying to discern what was going on inside that keen mind of his. To him, this night out was simply a means to an end... locating a lost business partner. Theesa was certainly helping, but would she be here with him even if she DIDN'T have her particular ability? Probably. Definitely. He was still cold, calculating, and aloof... but to a markedly less degree when Theesa was around. It wasn't that he was preoccupied by her presence, he just seemed more human and less... less 'December' when in her presence. And while Zade found this new side to her employer interesting, she didn't like it one bit. Not even a little.

"December, I hope you know what you're doing," Zade said to herself. "And I'm not talking about playing cards, either."

A strange sensation... a deeply cold chill... ran down Zade's back. Zade shivered... then frowned.

Someone had appeared next to her.

The man was leaning on the bar, facing the other direction. He wore a dusty, dark colored cloak that hung from his slim shoulders like a shroud. Zade glanced at him, and he turned to face her. He was a tall, handsome man, but he seemed to have an emptiness in his eyes that made Zade uneasy. In fact, EVERYTHING about the man made her uneasy... especially the way he seemed to have just appeared beside her. Zade hadn't seen him approach. She didn't hear his footsteps or smell his scent. In fact, Zade had seen every person in the club at least twice and she knew for a FACT that this man wasn't in the room before now.

The man's eyes studied Zade for a moment, then he smiled.

"You look bored," he said.

"Do I know you?" Zade replied.

"Nooo... we've never met. I'm an old friend of your employer, though."

"Oh, really?" said Zade. She didn't say anything else... this man was probably fishing for information, and he wasn't going to get any from her.

"Yes. But that was a long time ago. So, was I right... are you bored?"

Zade said nothing. She just watched the crowd, and wondered if she could kill this man without getting into some kind of trouble. Probably not... too many witnesses. But dragging him outside and interrogating him DID seem like a good idea...

"Don't worry," said the man. "Just give it time... this place will liven up in a minute or two."

"Oh? You know something I don't?"

"I know lots of things. I'd love to tell you all about it... but my time is up."

"Eh?"

"Tell December that Lonnik King says hello," he said. "Tell him that we'll see him soon."

"Who is 'we'?"

The man... Lonnik King... stepped into a crowd of passing gamblers and vanished. Zade followed him, shoving waitresses and drunken patrons aside in an attempt to find the man... but she quickly realized that the man was not just out of site... he had somehow left the casino completely. He was gone.

Zade quickly returned to the poker table where December had amassed a large pile of coins in a frighteningly short time.

"Hey," said Zade. "Do you know a guy named Lo-... what's that smell?"

"Excuse me, sir," came a small voice from behind them. Zade had seen the well-dressed doorman approaching, but had paid him no mind until he'd walked up to December. Now she realized that the casino employee was not alone. Standing beside him was filthy-looking street dweller. The rags that the old man wore were soaking wet and smelled horrible. The crowd at the table quickly dispersed as the smell settled over them. "This... gentlemen... insists on speaking with you. He refused to go away. Do you know him?"

"I'll take care of 'im," said Zade, already preparing to literally kick the homeless man out into the street.

"No, no ,no!" the man squealed. His breath smelled worse than his clothes. "I gots some information for ya! You're the guy that was asking about that other guy, right? Sir Oliver at the inn... he says you're lookin for the dead guy!"

"Dead... guy?" said Zade.

"The man we are searching for-" December began.

"Is dead." said the bum. He looked around nervously.

"If you gentlemen will excuse us," said December as he got up from the table. He dismissed the doorman and escorted the bum to a less crowded part of the casino. Theesa and Zade followed.

"My name's Emory. Emory Tibbs. Oliver says you're looking for a guy... well I seen him the other week. I was down below... ya know... where people go when they ain't got nowhere else. Anyway, I sees this guy sitting all by himself. I'm walking up to him 'cause he looks like he has some money and I was gonna ask him for some-"

"A thief," said Zade. "You were going to rob him."

"I ain't no thief! I never took nothin' from nobody that didn't give it voluntarily!"

"Sure," said Zade. "Whatever you say."

"It's true!"

"Go on," December shot Zade a sour look.

"So I'm walking, and all of a sudden this guy... this... uhh..." The bum looked around the casino. "Maybe we s-shouldn't be talking about this in here. This is HIS place... I shouldn't be here..."

"Who's place?"

"Brinks!" Emory hissed.

"Brinks killed Jake Fast?" said Zade.

"Yes! I mean, No! Not Brinks-"

"You're not making any sense," said Zade. "Either he did or he didn't"

"Perhaps you should just tell us what you saw," said Theesa. "Exactly."

"This guy... this guy you're lookin' for. He's dead. Brink's bodyguard tore him up good and dumped him in the river. Took his things, too. Then he left. I pulled your friend out... I tried to help him but I ain't no doctor or nuthin'. And there was nobody around to call for help. He woke up... tried to say something. Then he just... he just died right in front of me. I ain't never seen anybody die before..."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," said Theesa. "How horrible!"

"He's playing on your sympathies," said Zade. "And probably lying through his teeth."

"Zade, MUST you be so cynical?" said Theesa.

"Yes. I must."

"I ain't lyin'! I saw it all with my own eyes."

"So where's the body?" said Zade.

"The tide took it," Emory replied. "I thought the big guy might come back, so I left your friend and ran as fast as I could... which ain't really all that fast. When I went back later... it was gone."

"Surrre..." said Zade. "how convenient."

"I got somethin,' though. Your friend had a book... a little tiny one that the big guy what killed him didn't take. I... I thought it might be important, so I took it."

"Jake Fast kept a journal," said December. "One of his most prized possessions."

"I don't know if that's it or not, mister," said Emory. "I can't read... but I got it."

"Give it to me," said December. He held out his hand.

"I ain't got it with me. I hid it. I hid it where nobody could find it."

"Uh-huh," said Zade. "I knew it would come to this eventually. How much do you want for it?"

"Well..." Emory started to reply, but he stopped suddenly. His bloodshot eyes got as wide as dinner plates and his mouth dropped open in stark terror. "Oh, NO! He's HERE!" Emory pointed to the main entrance, where two figures were just arriving. One was a well-dress older man with a single streak of gray running through his dark-brown hair. His companion was a huge hulk of a man dressed from head to toe in golden armor. Not a single inch of the man's flesh was exposed. His enormous body seemed to radiate power. All eyes in the casino turned towards the pair as they made their way to the bar.

"Who is that?" said Theesa.

"It's HIM!" Emory squealed in terror. "Brinks! And... and Thorne!"

"Thorne..." said December. "Is that the man who killed Jake Fast?"

"Yes! Ohhh... I KNEW I shouldn't have come here!"

"Do not worry," said December. "We shall protect you from-"

"There IS no protection from him! I'm doomed! I'm already dead!" Emory ducked under a table. Zade reached for him, but he had already crawled away.

"He's headed for the exit," said Zade. "I'll get him"

"No."

"No? You don't want to hear what else he has to say?"

"I do not believe that Gabrial Brinks' presence here is coincidental. It would be a better use of our time to watch him and his associate closely. It is unfortunate that J'Hasp is not here to follow and interrogate Mr. Emory Tibbs..." December cast a downward glance at Theesa.

"Yeah," said Zade. "I wonder who's idea it was to leave him behind... hmmm..."

Brinks appeared to be some sort of local celebrity. Half of the people in the casino were calling his name and shouting various friendly greeting, most of which Gabrial ignored completely. Brinks didn't seem the dangerous type, but that was probably what MADE him so dangerous.

"Probably has a mean streak as wide as that gray streak in his hair," said Zade. "And look at the way he's strutting around... I can smell the ego from here."

"It would be interesting to see what impressions Theesa received from him and his armored companion."

"I'd rather not get close to either of them, thank you very much," said Theesa.

"Uh-oh... what's this?" said Zade.

"What?" said Theesa. "I don't see anything."

"Not see... hear... something's going on out in the hallway." Zade strained to pick the sounds of the faraway argument out of the noise from the crowd. Something was defiantly going on just beyond the main door. She heard a sword being drawn.... a shout... a scuffle... more shouting... someone yelping in pain... and then some running footsteps.

"Incoming!" she said. Zade instinctively stepping in front of December as an armed man burst into the casino. The man's sword was bloody... rage and madness gleamed in his eyes like twin beacons.

"BRIIIINNNNKKKSSSS!!!" the man shouted. The band stopped playing, and everyone turned to look at the newcomer. "BRINKS, YOU BASTARD!! IF YOU WON'T GIVE ME WHAT I NEED, THEN I'LL JUST HAVE TO TAKE IT FROM YOU!!!! I KNOW YOU'RE IN HERE... WHERE ARE YOU!!!" He glared around the room and caught sight of Gabrial Brink's smiling face. He charged toward Brinks even as three guards dashed after him. Two of the guards were already bleeding from sword wounds. One guard caught up with the intruder before he reached Brinks. That guard died as the man suddenly turned and thrust his sword straight through the guard's gut. Women... and some men... screamed and scattered, fleeing the scene of the murder. The other two guards appeared, and a sword-fight ensued. The fight was quick and bloody... and it was quite apparent that the casino's guards were hired for their size and not their fighting skill. Within seconds, two lay dead and a third seriously injured. A fourth guard appeared at the door, saw the carnage, and immediately ran for help... leaving no one to stand between the raving lunatic and Gabrial Brinks.

No one, except for Thorne.

The metal-clad warrior had stood at Brinks' side during the fight, and when the swordsman charged towards them, Thorne moved to intercept him. The huge man's incredibly heavy footsteps shook the entire floor as he closed on the man with almost supernatural speed.

"He's fast," said Zade. "Look at him. Nobody can move that fast wearing that much armor."

The swordsman veered to one side, attempting to go around the charging behemoth. Thorne changed directions in mid-stride and reached for the man. The sword flashed... reflecting the light from the chandeliers... as it arced toward Thorne's chest-

CLANG!

-where it bounced harmlessly off of Thorne's armor. The swordsman had been expecting this, of course. When Thorne reached for the man's sword, the man twisted and spun away, then thrust the point of sword at Thorne's knee, hoping to pierce a joint-

CLANG!

No joint.

Thorne's arm swung around, catching the swordsman by surprise.

CRUNCH!

The metal-covered fist struck the man in the chest, sending him literally flying through the air. He landed on top of a blackjack table... he slid across the table and hit the floor on the other side. The man was in his feet a second later.
Thorne had knocked him halfway across the room. Undaunted, the man yelled a steam of obscenities and charged Thorne. Thorne stood his ground, waiting for the man to come.

"Hmmm..." said Zade. "Notice that Thorne doesn't have any weapons."

"It appears that he does not need them," said December.

Thorne and the unknown swordsman clashed again. Or rather, the man's sword clashed with Thorne's armor. As the blade clanged repeatedly against the gold-colored metal, Thorne stood his ground, neither attacking nor retreating. The swordsman's skilled thrusts and jabs bounced off of him without leaving the slightest mark. But there was method to the swordsman's madness. His strikes were methodical... hitting joints and other areas where normal armor would be weak or vulnerable. But there WERE no weak points in Thorne's armor. Finally, Thorne grew tired of what, to him, must have seemed like a game. His huge arms shot out and grabbed the swordsman even as the man tried to back away.

"HEEEEEYYY!!!"

Thorne lifted the man into the air... and threw him away like a broken toy. The swordsman flew all the way to the other side of the casino. He struck the bar, bounced off of it, and fell on top of a poker table. Cards and gold coins scattered as the table collapsed. The gamblers scrambled for their gold and quickly vacated the area.

But, much to Zade's surprise, the swordsman was not finished. He got up... slowly and painfully... but he got up. One of his arms as broken, dangling limp at his side. Blood poured from his mouth and nose. He retrieved his sword from the floor and staggered towards Gabrial Brinks. Thanks to Thorne, the swordsman was now much closer to Brinks, who had been standing near the bar during the entire fight.

"DO YOU SEE!" the man shouted. "Do you ALL SEE WHAT THIS MONSTER HAS DONE TO ME!!!" The swordsman raised his sword and charged Brinks. Brinks threw back his expensive cloak and drew his own weapon, a thin cutlass that was no match for the swordsman's longsword.

"THORNE!" Brinks shouted.

There was no way Thorne could have reached the swordsman in time... but he did. The floor rumbled violently as golden bodyguard ran in a straight line towards Brinks' attacker. There were several tables and other objects in his way... Thorne ran straight through them as if they weren't even there. Smashed and broken furniture flew in all directions as Thorne plowed through them like a runaway carriage.

The swordsman's blade arced towards Brinks' head. Brinks raised his own weapon in an attempt to block it, but there was no need. Thorne slammed into the swordsman, wrapped his arms around him, and kept going... right into the closest wall

BOOM!

The building shook. A visible shockwave traveled through the brick wall... chunks of brick and mortar broke free and flew out into the crowd. Chandeliers rattled violently overhead, and one of them fell from the ceiling and exploded in a spray of broken glass.

Thorne had obviously been holding back. Zade knew that, at his size and incredible speed, Thorne should have gone THROUGH the wall... but he slowed down at the last minute. When the huge man backed away, there was a Thorne-shaped impression in the wall. The swordsman was nestled in his arms... the man now suffered from several DOZEN broken bones. Thorne deposited the man on the floor just as a team of armed men arrived.

"Ahh... Sheriff Chastain," Brinks said to one of the arriving men. "Just in time, as always. Would you please be so kind as to take your predecessor into custody."

"Predecessor?" said Theesa. "That man... was the sheriff?"

"Emphasis on 'was,'" said Zade. "That explains why he fought so well against the guards... but why-"

"Dust," said December. "The substance will turn a law-abiding man into a criminal. If that man was indeed the sheriff, then Dust is the most logical explanation for what we have just witnessed."

"But why was he after Brinks?" Zade mused.

"An addict will often turn on his supplier," December said. "Those who traffic in addictive substances always run the risk of such attacks. Brinks either does not know this... or does not care."

"I'm more interested in Thorne," said Zade. "What kind of armor is he wearing? I've never seen anything like it."

"It is no doubt responsible for his strength and speed."

Meanwhile, Sheriff Chastain and the town guards were carrying... literally... the former sheriff out of the building.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" Brinks announced to the crowd. "While this was a most unfortunate incident, I assure you that the situation is well in hand now. We shall have the mess cleaned up shortly. Please... do not let his ruffian spoil your evening's entertainment!"

Almost as if on cue, the band started playing again and the crowd continued their gambling as if nothing had happened.

"Well, that's more excitement than I care to have in one evening," said Theesa.

"Hold on... I think we're due for a little more. Look who's coming this way..."

With the man who threatened his life on his way out of the casino, Gabrial Brinks had sheathed his sword and was now walking around the club... heading in the general direction of December, Theesa, and Zade. Thorne was just a few steps behind him.

"Oh, great," said Theesa.

"Well, well, well," said Gabrial Brinks as he approached. "A distinguished visitor! Welcome to New Venyce, and to Lowell's Casino. I am Gabrial Brinks... part owner of this establishment."

"I am December, of Montfort," December said politely.

"And who is THIS lovely young woman?" said Brinks. Theesa backed away from him and stood very close to December.
"My companion, Theesa... and my bodyguard, Zade."

"Pleased to meet you, sir" Theesa lied. She didn't extend her hand to be kissed, as was the custom. Her dislike for the man was obvious.

Brinks looked at Zade and flashed a crooked half-smile.

"Ahh, December... I do believe that my bodyguard is bigger than yours!" he said.

"But mine is much more pleasing to the eye," replied December.

Gabrial looked back at Thorne, then at Zade again.

"You're right!" Gabrial laughed... despite the fact that there wasn't anything even remotely humorous going on. "So, what brings you to New Venyce?"

"Business," December replied.

"Whatever business it is, I wish you the best of luck in it. And it is quite a pleasure to have someone of your fame and stature visit my establishment."

"Fame?" said December. "I am but a simple jewel merchant. While the quality of my wares is known in many places, I hardly feel that it qualifies as 'fame.'"

"Oh, come now, December. You don't think anyone still BELIEVES that 'humble merchant' routine, do you? But I understand... Plausible deniability is one of the many things I've learned by studying you. Not that I need to resort to such games; I can make, break, and reshape the laws of this city at my leisure... a level of power you have yet to achieve in that little town of yours, eh, December?"

"Perhaps you are confusing me with someone else," said December.

"Confused? Nooo... There is no confusion here, I can assure you. I know everything about you, December... or should I say, 'Mr. Chyrnomir'."

December's expressionless face didn't even flicker. Zade, however, was beginning to worry. If Gabrial Brinks knew even a fraction of what he CLAIMED to know, then he must be aware of the deep lake of trouble he was wading into. Most men would sooner stick their private parts into a hornet's nest than tangle with December. Yet here was Gabrial Brinks... intentionally trying to goad December into some kind of response.

"Surprised that I know that bit of information?" said Brinks.

"My family name is no secret," December replied. "Although I prefer not to be addressed by it now."

"Hmmm... I never could understand that," said Brinks. "But that's just a minor point. I know much, much more... more than either of your companions, I'd wager. Tell me, young lady," Brinks said to Theesa. "are you aware that Mr. Chyrnomir was married at one time?"

"Yes, I am," Theesa replied through clenched teeth.

"I stand corrected!" said Gabrial. "I was married too, once. And, like the late Mrs. Chyrnomir, my wife died a tragic death-"

"Yet you make a mockery of her by hanging her picture in this place!" said Theesa.

"And how do you think the late Mrs. Chyrnomir would feel about her husband's current line of work? Does he not do the same thing to his wife's memory as I do to mine?"

December said nothing. Gabrial continued...

"We have a lot in common, December... and it is not by accident. Your life's story has been a labor of love for me. I've patterned my life after yours. Shaped my organization after your own-"

"And what organization would that be, Mr. Brinks?"

"Still not willing to speak freely, eh December?" Gabrial said with a smile. "I don't blame you. You don't even KNOW me... or do you?"

"I assure you that we have never met, sir."

"Oh, but we have. Do you remember a town called Dimitrus? A quaint little place. Peaceful for the most part... assuming one had the foresight to ally oneself with one of the criminal bodies that ruled the city. Choose a side and serve it well, and your life would be very peaceful indeed. But you changed all that, didn't you? You came to our little haven and upset the balance of power... destroyed it, actually. I was but a young lad, then... a small-time thug snapping at the heels of one of the larger players. A nothing... a nobody... someone to be tolerated until my usefulness expired. We met one time... face to face... just once. I delivered a message to you. I don't know what it was, but you were obviously displeased with it since my employer was dead before the sun rose the next day. The remainder of his organization was dead before the sun set. The efficiency of your work impressed me, December. That's when I knew that fate had dropped a golden opportunity right into my greedy little hands. All I had to do was follow in your footsteps.... become you."

"You, sir, are suffering from some form of delusion. While I do remember Dimitrus... the events you described never occurred."

"They most certainly did, and I am a better man for it. In a way, you are responsible for everything that I am, December. And I say with all sincerity that it is a true honor to meet you once again. I feel this to be a monumental moment... as if the gods themselves have delivered you to me so that the circle may be completed. I was nothing when we met the first time. Now... I am your equal."

"Equal," said December. A frown came to his cold, pale face. His eyes narrowed, and the temperature began to drop as he glared down at Gabrial Brinks. "You scrape and scramble for the insignificant details of my life, and now claim to be my equal?"

"Ahhh... the real December has decided to show himself at last! We ARE equals, December... surely someone as wise as you can see that. I own this town in the same way you have owned countless others. Everything and everyone in it is mine. Its officials are at my beck and call. Merchant vessels register their manifests with ME... and every treasure that touches the shores of New Venyce can become my property if I desire it. And I have desired quite a few things of late. Soo... what matter of business did you say brought you to my town? Acquiring something, perhaps?"

"Perhaps," said December.

"Then we may be meeting again before your little trip is concluded. I wish you the best of luck with your 'business'... you may need it."

Gabrial turned and started to walk away... but he stopped suddenly and looked back at December.

"How rude of me," he said. "I was so busy chatting that I forgot to do what I intended in the first place..."

"And that is?"

"Extend an invitation!" said Gabrial. "I am hosting a formal ball at my mansion tomorrow night... and extravagant affair that was months in the planning. I made a special trip to the casino tonight just to invite you and your... companions. I realize the short notice, but I do hope you can attend. Perhaps we'll have the opportunity to discuss some... 'business'... eh, December?"

"I rather doubt it," said December.

"We shall see," said Gabrial. "I'm looking forward to our next meeting. Now if you will excuse me, I have some business of my own to attend to. Come, Thorne."

Gabrial left the casino, and Thorne was right behind him.

"Now THAT'S a man that's just itching to get himself killed," said Zade. She looked over at her employer. December's frown deepened into a scowl... and then faded into his usual cold, sinister expression.

"I believe our objective for the night has been accomplished," he said. "Let us retire to the inn, before the hour grows too late."

"That's it?" said Zade. "This Brinks guy does everything except slap you across the face with his glove, and all you wanna do is go back to the inn?"

"There are plans to be made," said December. "And tasks to be performed. You, Zade, will locate Mr. Emory Tibbs tonight. You will remove Mr. Fast's journal from his possession, and extract any information he failed to mention earlier. In the morning, we will all make whatever preparations are needed to attend a formal ball tomorrow night."

"The ball?" Theesa said in disbelief. "You can't be serious!"

"You're kidding, right?" said Zade.

"Quite the contrary. The details of Jake Fast's fate must be discovered... as well as the depth of Gabrial Brinks' involvement. To that end, we will remain in New Venyce as long as is required, and DO whatever is required. My sincere apologies, Theesa... circumstance require that I cut our 'vacation' short. It is time I returned to business."

[To Be Continued]