Space politics sends The Protector on a mission, the failure of which could result in mass destruction. When her mission is sabotaged, the man bred from birth to be a Protector must leave his lover in order to carry out his duty. However, before he leaves, he promises to meet the white-haired H’asean at Asphodel’s Pit, one of the most dangerous dives in all the known universes, sending him off with Protector’s Brachi friend.<br><br>Meanwhile, at Asphodel’s Pit, inhabitants of other planets are going about their business. Sloff runs the dive, along with his old friend Rinig sa Bre, who provides security. Both men are unaware all hell in on the verge of breaking loose, as a Protector is about to arrive, looking for his young sir.

I Will Meet You at Asphodel's Pit

With a last glance at the unyielding back of his lover, Protector left, quickly following the captain.


“What will you do now, young sir?” Hssa asked, taking a short knife from his belt and using it to pare the talons that were the most obvious of his race’s natural defenses, the most visible, but not the most deadly.


Treyson Jax finally turned to stare down the deserted corridor Protector had taken, rubbing restless fingers over his wrists. “Try to make my way home?”


“With your sister?” Hssa nodded toward the figure which had lain crumpled on the deck and which was now making an effort to rise.


“I will not go back,” she snarled, belying her delicate appearance. “We are a merchant race, but I will not be bartered off like so much merchandise, solely because some ugly, greasy Thresian princeling wants an H’asean to breed!”


Chapter 3