He turned then, purpose and intent singing through him. He stopped short of the large mahogany cabinet holding his collection of daggers and swords.

His name, Espada, was one he'd earned in combat battling against corrupt soldiers and enemies of his father's house. He liked it. He liked the sound it made on the tongue, and the fear it brought when anyone spoke it.

He opened the cabinet and selected a short pin knife; not too big, just the right size for ...