A Tear In The Sky by Joseph Nassise

Author:Joseph Nassise [Nassise, Joseph]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Harbinger Books
Published: 2011-03-15T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

They staggered back through the portal, carrying their wounded with them. Several of the Chiang Shih tried to follow, but Cade had left Second Squad deployed around the entrance for just that reason and the creatures were cut to pieces as soon as they came through the Veil. After a few attempts, they stopped coming.

Echo hadn’t expected casualties, much less the deaths of several of their number, and Second Squad’s medic was quickly overwhelmed. A call went out to the commandery for additional doctors, but it would take some time for anyone to get there and they would have to make do for the time being. In order to be certain his men were treated as expeditiously as possible, Cade ignored his own injuries and made certain the others were triaged correctly.

Cade was the last man treated when, an hour later, Preceptor Johannson walked into the back room they’d converted into make-shift hospital. The Knight Commander was in the process of relaying orders to Riley as the doctor bandaged his ribs and didn’t notice the other man’s entrance.

“…for now. Get a hold of Sullivan at Delta and see how many men he can spare. Then check with the armory at Ravensgate. I want to know how many more bows we can get our hands on in the time we have.”

“Belay that order, Master Sergeant.”

Cade looked over at him, surprised to see Johannson there.

“I’m sorry, Preceptor, I hadn’t seen you come in. What did you say?”

“I told the Master Sergeant to strike your last order, as you won’t need those weapons.”

“If you have a better idea, please speak up. Firearms won’t work on the other side of the Veil.”

The Preceptor gave him a sour look. “I know very well what works and doesn’t work, Knight Commander, but that’s beside the point. You won’t need the weapons because you won’t be going back across the Veil.”

The Preceptor’s comment made so little sense that at first Cade suspected that he must have heard incorrectly. But on seeing the look on Riley’s face, he knew that he hadn’t. He felt his anger flare and couldn’t hold back his tongue.

“What are you talking about? They’ve got Duncan! Of course we’re going back!”

This time the Preceptor actually sneered. “You’ll do as you’re told, Knight Commander, and right now I’m telling you to stay away from that portal. There will be no further incursions into that hellish place except by my direct order.”

Cade came out of his seat so quickly that the doctor stumbled backward.

“I’ll go where I like and do what I like, Johannson. Or did you forget that that I don’t take orders from you?”

“I’m well aware of the hierarchy that governs us, Williams. Which is why I asked the Seneschal to put your orders in writing.” He reached inside his suit, took out a cream-colored envelope, and handed it to Cade.

The Knight Commander took the envelope and tore it open, extracting a single sheet of paper. He read it quickly, then slowed down and read it again just to be sure.

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