ecure one, this time. "
"Do you know who arranged the attack our first ride?" asked Spyder.
"Wizards in league with the mad man in Hell. Rebel angels, perhaps, knowing that I am coming for the book. I have a key forged by Lascaux imps, the greatest thieves on the mortal plane. It will open any lock, even in Hell. Come closer, child, so that I may give it to you. "
Shrike went to the old woman, but instead of putting the key into her hand, Madam Cinders slid both her hand and the key into Shrikes chest. Shrike gasped and pulled away. Spyder held Shrike as she fell back. Madame Cinders hand was empty.
"What have you done to me?" screamed Shrike, her sword up and at the old womans throat.
"Its all right, girl. Ive put the key somewhere no one can steal it. It will travel through you, with your blood. When you reach the cage where the book is housed, you will find the key again in your hand. Until then, it is safe. "
"And unrecoverable, right?" spat Shrike. "This way, I cant betray you. "
"Unless you fancy evisceration. And you cant live forever with that thing in your body. You must complete the task you have agreed to. "
"Or shell die," said Spyder.
"Its what we mortals do best," said Madame Cinders. "Dont fool yourself, boy. I havent betrayed the girl. Im merely holding her to our bargain. Shes a woman and knows the difference between bargaining and treachery, something men never seem to understand. "
"Fuck you, you twisted old bitch," said Spyder. Shrike laid a hand on his arm and stood up.
"Shes right," Shrike said. "Its just part of bargaining and as fellow women we can, of course,
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