I pulled my cloak down lower over my face as the guards walked past, the flame from their torch wobbling dangerously as they roared with laughter at an inane story. It suited me fine. The more distracted they were, the less likely they would—
‘You there! Stop!’
I froze instantly, muttering a silent curse to whichever god had seen fit to interfere with my night.
‘What are you doing out so late?’ one of the guards asked, slurring slightly.
‘Nowhere,’ I called back without turning around, forcing myself to smile so that my voice would sound non-threatening. ‘I was just helping a friend with some heater servicing. Canberra is where he lives, if you want to check with him. I’m just heading home to the wife.’
That had the desired effect – a chorus of guffawing amongst the drunkards. Except one… out of the corner of my eye I saw a single guard, more steady on his feet than his friends, peering at me suspiciously.
‘Take off the hood,’ he growled. The other men quietened down slightly at his tone.
‘My hood?’ I repeated weakly. ‘But it’s so cold tonight. I’m really almost home. Just around that—’
‘Your hood,’ he repeated, metal hissing as he eased his sword slightly from its scabbard. ‘Now.’
I sighed, sparing another curse under my breath. ‘As you wish.’
I turned and dropped the hood. The men reacted immediately, gasping at the sight of my bald head.
‘It’s him!’ the drunkest of them stammered, stumbling half a step backwards. ‘The last of the air conditioners!’
I rubbed at my scalp, imagining I could feel the tattoo ink, cooler on my hands. ‘You can still leave,’ I warned them.
‘We can’t allow you to escape,’ the sober one growled, sword now fully in his hand.
‘I’ll remind you,’ I said softly. ‘Mercy is cheap. Air conditioning repairs around Canberra wouldn’t be possible without me booking the appointments.’
‘We can’t let you,’ the guard with the torch echoed his friend. ‘The Emperor would have our heads!’
They slowly began to circle me.
I sighed – and closed my eyes.