Chapter F O U R: Myra

Knowing Zen was already off to catch some sleep on the horse and not thinking about the situation until his mind and body were on the issues. On the other hand, Rhen wondered why someone would need a Mercenary and a Bounty Hunter to help the fantastic Zorbic O'Bryan from an evil entity. She was thrilled to be off, yet cautious about what she was getting into. Rhen was confident she would ace the task, as she always did. She had been a Mercenary and Bounty Hunter since childhood and had few misses. She had also been training in the arts of killing and deadly masters since she was a small child. Rhen was by all means a very harmful assassin but not in practice. Rhen thought as they brushed the wind off their faces that she and Zen made a great team.

They had been a team for two years, and they were usually able to take down any job, no matter how big or small. It was almost as if they could read each other's thoughts and the other would know precisely what to do, almost like they were mental twins. This was the life Rhen chose, and she was thankful for it; she was able to hone her skills and keep a low profile so as not to be noticed, which is how she preferred to live. She knew nothing else.

As they went from the economically challenged side of the town to the wealthier part, Rhen gazed upon the crumbling remains of sky scrappers and smaller buildings. It was a shame they couldn't do anything to save some structure and infrastructure with the downfall of technology. Since Magic came back to be realistic, technology wasn't a thing anymore. It was like it never existed, to begin with, and anything that was made in the time of technology was crumbling and falling apart. Homes and buildings were now made to be magically resistant and very expensive. Most people lived in what they could afford: scraps of metal put together to keep the elements out. They could see the two-story building that Myra lived in coming up. They would put the horses in the barn and then have to clear security as usual. Myra would be waiting for them, so security should let them in with no hassle; however, Myra liked to play games and sometimes would "Forget" to tell security they were coming. As they approached the building, a big square gentleman missing a few of his front teeth stepped out and said, "Are you, Rhen and Zebadiah?" "Why yes, sir, we are!" "Are you here to escort us to Mrs. Myra?" asked Rhen. "Yes, Ma'am, you can bring your horses this way. They will be watered, fed, and looked after, " the toothless gentleman explained. "Why thank you ever so much, sir," says Rhen. "Ever the polite southern Woman," says Zin. "You catch more flys with honey than vinegar, Zin." Said Rhen with a wicked smile. "Besides, I'm only nasty when they are, right? Aren't you the same way, sucker?" laughs Rhen.

They were escorted to the barn, dismounted the horses, and left them as instructed. They followed Myra's security guard through a doorway into the two-story structure. Inside waiting for them were two more security members, and they all escorted Rhen and Zin up to the second floor to the most significant and finest apartment the city had to offer. Myra opened the door, and the security team left without a word. As usual, this was always the routine when visiting Myra. Her talent was unusual and useful for several people, so they were willing to pay a large sum to gain access to Myra. Therefore, she was incredibly wealthy and could afford such a luxurious lifestyle.

"Why tickle me pink and call me uncle!" Exclaimed Myra. "Shut your pie hole, Myra; you knew we were coming. And you know why we're here, you big tease and rip off.!" said Rhen. "Yes, Yes, you do know I stay so utterly bored, and I do like my fun where I can get it, don't you?" giddily explains Myra. "Do you have my fee?" asks Myra. "Yes, here's your check for fifty thousand, as usual." Says Rhen. "Alright then, you have me for two hours, then it's another fifty after that; you know the rules," says Myra. "Yes, Myra, I know all too well. Will you let us come in, or will we conduct our business in the hallway?" Says Rhen. "Oh, do excuse my rudeness, please; both of you come in and have a drink. We'll conduct our business in the living room if that is OK. Samar will serve drinks." explains Myra. "We'll both have water." Says Rhen as they walk into the apartment and head to the living room. "What is nothing more exciting or better? I have all the finest liquor available; all you need do is say the word?" says Myra. "No, Myra, we're on the job and must stay sharp. There's a strict deadline, and a woman's life is on the line. We need to have clear heads. Water is all we need. Thank you." says Rhen. "OK, I do see the point; I always drink, but with my metabolism, I never even get drunk. It just

tastes good to me. Now show me what you have, so I can find who you are looking for, OK my Sweets?" says Myra. "You know I hate when you call me pet names. I'm Rhen, just Rhen, always Rhen." says Rhen. "OK, don't get so testy," says Myra. "Uh, do I need to leave you two alone?" Says Zin. With a glare that could kill a million men, both women stare at Zin, and he just takes his water and sits.

Myra takes the paper and pictures from Rhen and starts pacing. She looks at Rhen, down at the print and writing, and walks some more. "Oh my, what have you two gotten into this time?" asks Myra. "Nothing, we're just trying to help someone who needs it. A nice gentleman that couldn't afford the help of the Department, and he was referred to us," Says Rhen. "Well, I don't know who your friend pissed off, but it looks like you are dealing with the Russians, and I don't mean the nice ones either. These are the nasty death priest that prays to the god of death and war types. Awful, terrible, bad guys, you don't want to get mixed up in this at all." exclaims Myra.

"We'll be fine; we are always." Says Zin. "Yes, I agree." Says Rhen. "OK if you insist. I'll write down the address where they are holed up with this woman in the picture. It's across town, closer to your neck of the woods, but I'm afraid to tell you it's in the Desiree Projects." says Myra. "Ugh, you couldn't have told me worse news, Myra." Says Rhen. "That place is a damn maze and almost impossible to get out of once you get in if you get in." Says Zin. "I'm afraid that is the truth, and you know that's where the Russian death priests like to stay. I can give you the exact coordinates. The rest is up to you, I'm afraid." says Myra.

Myra hands Rhen a piece of paper with an address and coordinates on it for the location of Levee and the Russians' death priests. They stand up and say goodbyes as Myra pages security to escort them back to their horses. As if on cue, the security team appears and walks them back down to the barn. They load the horses and prepare to journey back through the beloved decrepit city. As they start to ride away, Rhen thinks that her life never ceases to amaze her and that she wouldn't trade her world and career for anything else. Rhen of Ruin and Zin continue their ride back to their side of the city. On the horizon, the sun was just beginning to peek out as if announcing the end of the night and the start of a new day and adventure for Rhen and Zin.