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    #16 Shades of Gray- Precept Of The Assassins Guild: Edge Of The Dagger
    #16 Shades of Gray- Precept Of The Assassins Guild: Edge Of The Dagger
    #16 Shades of Gray- Precept Of The Assassins Guild: Edge Of The Dagger
    Ebook297 pages4 hours

    #16 Shades of Gray- Precept Of The Assassins Guild: Edge Of The Dagger

    By Kristie Lynn Higgins

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    About this ebook

    The Shades Of Gray Series follows the adventures of Kat, a woman with no memory of her past who is called the Pandora Project by those who hunt her, and Kim, a woman leading the life of a legal assassin called a Life Closer. The world they live in is plagued by clouds that prevent the sun from shining down on the land called Dry Clouds, making all who live in Noir forced to live in endless night.

    Kat searches for clues to her past while androids called Un-Men and human bounty hunters try to kill her, and Kim searches for who murdered her mother. The two women's paths collide, and they form a shaky partnership to unravel the mysteries that haunt their lives and they try to protect one another from those who do not wish for them to discover the truth.

    Everyone's soul is marked by a color. Which shade of gray will they hold to?

    #16 Shades of Gray: Precept of the Assassins Guild- Edge of the Dagger:

    Kim and Kat finally discover the horrible truth to Theresa's death.

    **Shades of Gray Series**

    (STARTING POINT QUADRILOGY)
    #1 Shades of Gray: Noir, City Shrouded By Darkness
    #2 Shades of Gray: From Moscow, With Love
    #3 Shades of Gray: Cerberus Versus Pandora
    #4 Shades of Gray: Sisters

    (ZOMBIE TWILIGHT QUADRILOGY)
    #5 Shades of Gray: Night Of The Twilight- The Chimera Strain
    #6 Shades of Gray: Dawn Of The Twilight- Outbreak
    #7 Shades of Gray: Day Of The Twilight- Patient Zero
    #8 Shades of Gray: Land Of The Twilight- Closing of Days

    (MYTHS AND DESPAIR QUADRILOGY)
    #9 Shades of Gray: Rise of the Gorgons
    #10 Shades of Gray: Woe To The Watcher
    #11 Shades of Gray: Woe To The One Who Has Held His Heart's Tongue
    #12 Shades of Gray: Woe To The One Who Thought They Could Only Hurt

    (ASSASSINS GUILD ORIGINS QUADRILOGY)
    #13 Shades of Gray: Creed of the Assassins Guild- Blade of the Dagger
    #14 Shades of Gray: Axiom of the Assassins Guild- Steel of the Dagger
    #15 Shades of Gray: Motto of the Assassins Guild- Hilt of the Dagger
    #16 Shades of Gray: Precept of the Assassins Guild- Edge of the Dagger

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherKristie Lynn Higgins
    Release dateJan 31, 2015
    ISBN9781311372345
    #16 Shades of Gray- Precept Of The Assassins Guild: Edge Of The Dagger
    Author

    Kristie Lynn Higgins

    You can also check out my author page on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/author/kristielynnhiggins

    Read more from Kristie Lynn Higgins

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      Book preview

      #16 Shades of Gray- Precept Of The Assassins Guild - Kristie Lynn Higgins

      Shades of Gray #16

      Precept Of The Assassins Guild

      Edge Of The Dagger

      Kristie Lynn Higgins

      SHADES OF GRAY: Precept Of The Assassins Guild- Edge Of The Dagger

      Text Copyright © 2015 by Kristie Lynn Higgins

      Cover Art Copyright © 2015

      Smashwords Edition

      www.KristieLynnHiggins.com

      No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Start this series by TRYING the 1st book

      #1 Shades of Gray:

      Noir, City Shrouded By Darkness

      Click here to TRY it

      or go to my website

      www.kristielynnhiggins.com/SOG1.html

      Start this series by TRYING the 1st book

      AabiLynn's Dragon Rite #0

      Dragon's Brood: Egg Hatchlings' Ritual

      Click here to TRY it

      or go to my website

      www.kristielynnhiggins.com/DR0.html

      Also from the author

      Beauty of the Beast #1

      The Mystic Rose: Part A

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      www.kristielynnhiggins.com/BOTB1PartA.html

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      Ayann- A Fantasy Action Adventure

      Click here to TRY the 1st book

      or go to

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      Shades of Gray #16

      Moments like sorrow-saturated tears fall

      and lead the two with the Star Cypher to an epic crossroad.

      One will fight against knowing the revelation that was the genesis of their journey

      while the other will desperately grasp for it.

      The crossroad marks an end to a journey

      and the beginning of a new one.

      What will become of them when they reach their journey's end? What new path will they choose?

      From the Assembled Works

      Ginn L. Irynkissgthie 525 B.D.C.

      Chapter One

      Precept Of The Assassins Guild

      529 B.D.C...

      Mid-Spring...

      Italy...

      Early morning...

      Viceroy Sextus walked into the Castello Caves and inspected the work Ginn had completed along with the workers. He brought with him Marcello. Viceroy Sextus also brought with him the Minister of Trade and the Minister of Utilities to see the device for they had also invested in the project. Viceroy Sextus had no clue what he was examining, but everything looked impressive to him. The machine was very similar to Arcamedes' Aperture Device.

      It appears that you are nearly finished, Viceroy Sextus spoke as the ministers continued to circle the machine.

      Ginn glanced up from his blueprints that laid on a desk; it was of a drawing he created long ago of the original Breach Apparatus but had slight changes to the inner and outer workings to compensate for the large size of the device. He watched the viceroy stroll around the room, touching pieces of the machine here and there. Ginn grew to despise the viceroy for keeping him away from his family for so long. Several times he thought of killing the man, but that would solve none of his problems; it would only create new ones. Ginn went back to work, knowing the sooner he finished the project the sooner he would be reunited with his loved ones. He moved from the desk and walked over to a workbench, and the chain connected to the manacle around his left ankle rattled. The chain was lengthy and as long as he didn't tangle it in any equipment or furniture he could move throughout the entire cave. Many a day he cursed the chain when he would forget about it, caught up in the course of his work, and entangle it like some simpleminded dog on a rope. Ginn would have to stop what he was doing and untangle it.

      When can we expect the first test of the Breach Apparatus to be conducted? the Minister of Trade inquired.

      Ginn replied without looking at the man, We can conduct the first test in a few weeks.

      Nonsense, Damien uttered as he entered the Castello Caves with a few of his men. The Breach Apparatus shall be ready in three days. Ginn is only being extremely cautious. I have overseen all of his work. The device is nearly ready.

      I am not being over cautious or have you forgotten what happened to your master? Ginn questioned him as he glared at the taller man.

      Father! Damien snapped and then he shouted, He was my father, and I have not forgotten!

      Ginn asked, If you remember, then why not allow me a few more weeks to verify the calibrations? I for one do not want anyone hurt by something that I have created.

      Do not give me your feeble excuses, Damien spouted and then he accused his old master, I know what you are trying to do. You want to delay the opening of the door. You want to delay the release of my greatest invention!

      You arrogant pup! Are you still claiming this to be your invention? As if you had the skill to come up with such a contraption! Ginn yelled, overstressed and overworked, and then he remembered the situation he and his family were in and spoke in a calmer voice, I shall not get into that debate with you again, but I shall tell you I shall not delay my reunion with my family a moment more than I have to. It is them that I think of, not this accursed device!

      Viceroy Sextus saw another heated argument was about to break out and interrupted them, I would have to lean toward Ginn's expertise on this. I can be patient for two or three weeks more, if it means the success of this project. I have already waited through two seasons, and I for one do not want to end up like the late Arcamedes. He turned to Damien and said, I mean no disrespect for bringing up ill memories of your father. It is just simply the Breach Apparatus shall do us no good if we are all dead.

      Hear... hear, both ministers chimed in.

      Damien looked as if he would murder them all, but then he regained his composure and said, I shall fall under Viceroy Sextus' wisdom and allow the two or three additional weeks as Ginn requested, but I still say it is a waste of time. The device shall be ready in three days and I would stake my reputation on that. Think of the time we shall lose if we delay any longer.

      Viceroy Sextus told him, If we are among those walking Hades, then the time is truly lost. I would prefer to lose some weeks of my life than to completely lose my life. He turned, started for the exit, paused, and said, Send a messenger when the device is ready, and I shall return. I and the ministers shall return. I am off for now. This place is a little dirty for me. He headed for the exit and when they had nearly left the cave, Viceroy Sextus told his attaché whose face bore the scars of dart games gone by, Marcello, I want you to stay and make sure Arcamedes does nothing to interfere with the completion of my Breach Apparatus. Ginn's life is mine till a successful test can be completed.

      Yes, Viceroy, Marcello replied, then turned, and headed back into the cave to watch the two.

      The viceroy and the ministers left the cave, and Damien waited till they did so before he approached his old master. Marcello eyed him as he did.

      You are trying to ruin me, Damien accused Ginn in an angry whisper. You are trying to make me look the fool in front of the viceroy.

      I do not need to do either, Ginn told him. You are doing fine on your own.

      Mock me now, but wait till after the test and we shall see who the better man is. Who the better man is for Gabriella.

      Why can you not understand that she made her decision a long time ago? Ginn questioned him. Why do you insists that I stole her from you when you never had her? Gabriella is not property. She is a woman, my wife, and the mother of my daughter. You have your own wife you should cherish. The sooner you understand all of that, the happier you shall be.

      I shall be happy, Damien told him. You wait and see. I always acquire what I want. He intently watched his old master go back to work as Damien muttered to himself, I shall stay sharp, and I shall not let my senses dull. I know my enemy as I know myself, and I shall strike down my enemy. I know who my enemy is, and I shall not let my enemy get in my way. Death is my way, and death I supply in no reserve.

      * * *

      Two and a half weeks later...

      Romanistic Region, Estates District...

      The estate of Viceroy Sextus...

      Gabriella and Aadea entered one of the many bedrooms of the vast estate. Viceroy Sextus had this bedroom converted into a playroom for him to entertain the child. Aadea reminded him of his younger sister who died of pneumonia when she had turned four; nearly the same age Aadea was. The viceroy had been very close to his sister who had been two years younger than himself. Ginn's daughter had her laughter and her smile, and it pleased him greatly to spend time with her.

      Aadea loved tigers, so the viceroy had a wooden one created for her to ride instead of a horse. He also bought stuffed tigers made with rabbit fur for her to cuddle and play with. Nearly six months had gone by since Gabriella and Aadea were put under his care, and Viceroy Sextus had grown to care for Aadea deeply. She was the precious sister he had lost so long ago, and the new joy of his heart.

      Gabriella cautiously watched the man play with her daughter. Aadea adored him, but her mother still didn't trust him or his motives. She never once left them alone.

      Viceroy Sextus sat on the tiger-fur rug along with Aadea who held on to a stuffed tiger toy with blue eyes. They finished playing there and moved to a small table and sat at the small chairs. Viceroy Sextus bore the discomfort of sitting in the chair half the size of his bottom which caused him to hunch over to keep from falling out. Aadea sat across from him at the table and sipped on expensive tea from a tiny tea cup that had been brewed just for her liking. Gabriella sat in a full size chair nearby, sipping on her own tea in a normal size cup.

      Princes Aadea, shall we have fig tarts today or would you prefer a different dessert? he questioned her as he held his tiny tea cup with his thumb and index finger. His pinkie finger stuck straight out as was customary when drinking tea.

      Sir Textus, knight of my realm, I think we shall have strawberries dipped in chocolate and afterwards, I shall like to take a ride on Gallant.

      She had problems pronouncing his name when they first arrived, and he allowed the deviation because of the cuteness of it when she spoke the name.

      Viceroy Sextus replied, I shall make sure that your tiger is saddled and ready. I believe today I shall take you riding through...

      A servant walked in, cleared his throat, and waited to be acknowledged.

      Viceroy Sextus noticed him, sighed for the interruption to their play, and then questioned, What is it?

      Arcamedes is here, the servant replied.

      Damien walked in after being announced, noticed Gabriella, smiled at her, then noticed the child, and scowled.

      What is it? Viceroy Sextus inquired of him.

      Damien turned his dark gaze to him and answered, The Breach Apparatus is ready for its first test. We shall conduct it tomorrow.

      Splendid, Viceroy Sextus uttered. I and the ministers shall be there on the morrow, but I do wonder why you are here. Was you not to send a messenger?

      I could not pass up an opportunity to visit your estate, Damien replied as he turned his gaze back to Gabriella.

      He looked over her as if she were a prized filly he had won gambling and that he would soon stud himself. He then turned his gaze to the child with murderous intentions. The hatred he had for Aadea had grown to surpass the hatred he had for Ginn.

      Was there anything else? Viceroy Sextus inquired of him.

      No, Damien replied. I shall see you tomorrow.

      He turned and left and the servant followed after him.

      Gabriella couldn't help but see how Damien looked at her daughter. She felt she needed to do something, so Gabriella appealed to the viceroy, You have to help us. She glanced at their daughter and then chose her words carefully and said, You must know what Damien wants.

      Why should I help you? he questioned her.

      She put her tea cup down, stood, walked to his side, and said, Do not help me or Ginn. I only ask that you help Aadea. I do not like how Damien looks at her. I fear for her safety. Have you seen the way he looks at her?

      Arcamedes is like a madman sometimes, but he would not hurt a child.

      Are you sure about that? Gabriella questioned him. I do not know what he has in store for Ginn and myself, only that he means to do us harm. I believe he also intends to hurt my daughter.

      Viceroy Sextus stared across the table at the young child he gladly and joyously had placed in the role of his younger sister, and then he thought about Damien's belief that Gabriella was still a virgin. Two things hindered the continuation of that belief. One was Ginn, and Damien meant to deal with his old master himself. The second thing would be the fruit of Ginn and Gabriella's union. Viceroy Sextus wished to see no harm come to Aadea.

      Leave Aadea's safety in my hands, he said. I shall keep her safe. I am Sir Textus, Knight of her realm, and I shall protect her.

      Chapter Two

      Friends Ride Together

      Isaiah 59:9-11

      So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. Like the blind we grope along the wall, feeling our way like people without eyes. At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead. We all growl like bears; we moan mournfully like doves. We look for justice, but find none; for deliverance, but it is far away.

      The present...

      32 A.D.C...

      November 9...

      Tuesday...

      4:57 A.M...

      The hover train rushed across the tracks as the engineer blew the whistle to scare off a flock of crows that gathered on the tracks ahead. Inside the train and in one of its cabins, Kim stood at the door of the bathroom wearing latex gloves and holding a garbage bag. The hover train gently rocked as it continued traveling towards its destination. She leaned to the door and listened inside the bathroom, but she couldn't hear any movement.

      Kim waited a few more moments and then she spoke loudly, Are you done stripping yet?

      Inside the bathroom, Kat leaned on the sink with her head down, staring into the drain. Her brown hair fell past her ears and nearly reached her chin. Kat peered at the drain as she realized it was what she was, drained. She was so tired she thought about curling up in the bathtub. Kat slowly lifted her head, stared into the mirror, saw the exhausted woman before her, and then she raised her voice and questioned, Tell me again why I'm doing this now and not sleeping? I barely got five hours. She sighed before she continued, complaining a bit, I was having a nice dream too. I was chowing down on this big prime rib steak and potatoes. There was even a salad and yeast rolls dripping with butter. I was about to start on a cheesecake when you shook me awake, and I nearly fell out of the top bunk. Kat stared at her hazel eyes in the mirror and then she closed them, thinking about sleeping on her feet. She was afraid she would drop right there, so she opened them and questioned, Couldn't this have waited till we got back to your apartment?

      As I told you before, we're not going back to my apartment, so we're going to do this now. Stop whining like a big baby and give me your clothes, Kim demanded, then a thought distracted her, and she questioned nicely, Oh... and before I forget, where are your shoes?

      Not those too, Kat grumbled. I really like those sneakers. They're very comfortable. I finally broke them in. She griped, If you take those, I won't have anything left.

      You'll still have your backpack, so don't complain. I'm not completely making you destitute. Anyway, I already told you that I would buy you a pair of sneakers just like them, Kim stated as she tried not to snap at her friend. She too hadn't gotten enough sleep and was feeling the effects of weariness. Kim told her, I'm going to throw away all your clothes and your shoes and buy you new ones. I told you... not to be mean, but you smell like puke. It would be simpler just to throw everything away and buy new ones.

      I still say it's wasteful. The clothes and sneakers can simply be washed, Kat insisted and then she perked up, hoping to win her friend over by saying, You did hear me mention before that I really... really like those sneakers, didn't you? Can't we..?

      For Ares' sake! No! Now finish stripping! Kim snapped. I don't want to stand out here all night!

      Sheez! Kat snapped herself as she accused, You're just in a hurry and don't want to take the time!

      For Ares' sake! Kim yelled again. Of course I'm in a hurry or have you forgotten whom I'm chasing? If I don't act now, Vice President Horus will get away. He'll get away with murdering my mom!

      You don't know that he's the one who did it, Kat spoke, slightly changing the subject. We need to find more proof.

      I don't need to find any more proof, Kim told her. I know he's the one who murdered her. Now... Take off all your clothes and hand them out here or I'm going to come in and strip you myself.

      Alright! Alright! Sheez! You don't have to threaten me. You know how easily I get embarrassed about things like this. Just give me some time.

      About a minute later, the door open a few inches and Kat handed out all of her clothing. Kim took them with her gloved hand, stuffed them into the garbage bag, then she went over to the bunk beds, found the sneakers that also reeked of vomit, and placed them in the garbage bag. She walked back over to the bathroom door and heard the shower running within.

      Kim yelled through the door and told her friend, Take your shower, and I'll be back after I've taken this to the trash and bought you some clothes from the hover train's souvenir shop.

      I'll be waiting here, Kat replied and then she muttered, It's not like I can go anyplace else butt naked.

      Kim walked out of their cabin and handed the trash bag to the porter who waited outside. She had the man hold open the garbage bag while she removed her latex gloves as if they were contaminated with blood, and then she tossed them in the bag. She headed off to the souvenir shop and returned sometime later to their cabin. Kat wore a white robe provided by the hover train and a towel around her head as she sat on Kim's bottom bunk. Kim threw the small shopping bag she held in her hand to Kat, and her friend caught it, opened it up, and peered inside.

      Where's the rest of the clothes? Kat asked as she looked to her friend to see if she had another bag. All I see here is a t-shirt and flip-flops. She dumped the contents on the bed as if more clothes would magically appear if she did so.

      Well you see, silly me, I guess souvenir shops do not stock bras, underwear, or pants, Kim told her, hoping her friend would also see it as funny.

      Seriously? Kat questioned her with a look of dread on her face. Well I guess it can't be helped. I'll just have to wear my old clothes until we can get someplace where you can buy me some clean clothing.

      About that... Kim started with a hint of guilt in her voice. I'll ready tried to get the trash back, but the porter said there was no possible way. I'm sorry, but you're going to have to wear what was in the bag.

      Are you kidding me? Kat asked as her face when three shades of red. I can't go around with only a t-shirt on. People will stare. Not only that, but it'll be drafty, it's against the law, and you know how I get embarrassed about people seeing me in my undergarments. Can you imagine my embarrassment when I don't even have them on? I told you we should have waited. I told you...

      I'm not asking you to run around nude. Wear the robe off the train.

      I can't, Kat insisted as she folded her arms in front of herself. It would be considered stealing.

      I'll pay for the robe, so don't you worry.

      Don't you worry, she tells me, Kat grumbled, You're not the one who's naked and embarrassed. Did I mention how embarrassed I am?

      Hades! Yes! A zillion times, now cut it out! You know how cranky I get when I'm...

      Kat interrupted her, Making your friend run around naked!

      I said cut it out!

      Fine, but I still can't believe you did this to me, Kat stated. You should have went to the store first and seen what was available.

      I know. I know. I'm sorry, but look... I did find you these really cute socks, Kim told her as she lifted a pair of bright blue socks with a tiger's head decorating the top of each one she had hidden behind her back.

      Kat peered at them in almost a glare as she said, So what you're saying is, that I'm going to have to walk around in only a t-shirt, socks, a thin robe, and flip-flops and try not to get busted by the Noir Civil Police Force, and you think that I'll be all right with this because you're bribing me with socks? I might add a very cute pair of fluffy socks.

      That's exactly what I'm hoping for, Kim replied and then she took a few more steps into the room as she dangled the blue socks in front of her friend's face.

      Debating if she should be very mad at her friend or accept the peace offering, Kat gladly decided and grabbed the socks with a smile as she uttered, I'm a real pushover. I guess I can wear the robe over top of the t-shirt like you said, and I won't be indecently exposed until we can get to a department store. I hope I don't get too drafty. You owe me big time. You need to buy be a jacket too.

      I know. I know, so I'll buy you a jacket, Kim told her and then said as if she had to explain, It was just that you smelled so bad. I didn't want to tell you while we were at the Dragon's Teeth. For one, I didn't want to insult any of your assassin friends and there was really nothing that either one of us could do about it at the time. At least you smell better now.

      Kat pulled on her fluffy socks, wiggled her toes in them, and then she said, Looks like I'll be sporting a new style through the Hellenistic Sector. I might even start a new trend with my bright yellow flip-flops and bright blue socks.

      You'll be starting something new all right.

      8:32 A.M...

      The Hellenistic Sector Hover Train Station...

      I see them, Zeba said as she looked through binoculars. She smacked her brother on the shoulder without looking at him as she repeated, I've spotted Kimberly and Katharine. I never thought I would be so happy to see two people more than I am right now.

      Zax rubbed his shoulder as he sat in the driver's side of his delivery van. He questioned her, "Could it be

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