Blood County by Curt Selby

Author:Curt Selby [Selby, Curt]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, horror
Publisher: DAW Books
Published: 2013-10-03T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

He was standing in the mansion hallway waiting for something to happen when wooden stakes hurtled at him from different directions, The one that hit him in the heart area had more impetus than the one striking the left side of his back. The crate went crashing to the floor and he staggered backward a few yards, finally fell.

Duquieu appeared from behind a curtained balcony fifteen feet or so above the hall floor. “What, I haven’t killed you?” he said. “A pity.”

Clint climbed to his feet and rubbed his chest.

“A protector? A vest? Is that what you’re wearing?”

“Yes.”

“I never tried one myself. It seemed cowardly, or at any rate I knew I wouldn’t like it.”

Clint eyed the crate.

“I’m sure you’re worried they’re broken,” said Duquieu.

“No, but they aren’t or you’d have a scarlet floor.”

“You realize of course that I didn’t really intend to kill you. Not for an instant did I expect my little toys to finish you off.”

Walking over to the wall, Clint pulled aside a drape and examined the small catapult built into the partition.

“That one and its twin are for ignorants who have never gone forth into the world. But you learned about more than metal vests while you were abroad, didn’t you?”

Picking up the crate, Clint carried it into the next room. Sitting in the visitor’s chair, he waited with patience. “Yes, I learned all about breaking, entering, pilfering, destroying,” he said when Duquien came in. “Everything that was bad.”

“You came into my sanctuary last night.”

“I could have killed you.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“There was nothing sentimental in my decision to leave you unharmed.”

Duquieu’s tone was cold. “Of that I am assured?”

“The old ways are too strong, not in me because a little education was all it took to teach me exactly what a leech you are. But the people aren’t educated and don’t want to be. You survive on their superstitions.”

“And their superstitions dictate your actions?”

“At least for now.”

“What does that mean?”

“Your days are numbered,” said Clint.

“They always have been.”

“Jared Brewster doesn’t intend for you to sit on the throne much longer.”

“Ah, my number two offspring!” Duquieu leaned slightly forward in order to stare at Clint. “You believe he’ll dispose of me, don’t you? Then you intend to dispose of him.”

“He’s my brother and we were childhood friends. I hope he gets what he wants.”

Duquieu clapped his hands in agitation and began to pace. “Not for an eternity have I entertained such treacherous drama! Two twigs are going to knock the tree down! Two upstarts think they’ll dispose of me.”

Clint’s voice, dry and empty, came behind him. “This can’t be the first time you’ve been threatened. Hate must follow you wherever you go.”

Duquieu whirled. “Hate? Hate?”

“Don’t tell me you think the people of Blood love you?” Clint was on his feet in an instant “Why, you’re in your dotage! Your old age is beginning to show in the way your mind stumbles. They love and fear God. You they only fear.”

The Lamprou stood with his fists clenched.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.