Dark Order by Nicholas Woode-Smith

Author:Nicholas Woode-Smith [Woode-Smith, Nicholas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-05-19T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14.

Heroes

“You did all you could,” Treth said, as I descended the gallery steps. People looked at me askance as they noticed my flaming coat and fiery expression.

“He was this close,” I whispered, seething. “I could have ended it all. He hurt Brett. He got Jane arrested. And…more. He’s insane! A complete madman.”

“So was Digby, so was Jeremiah Cox. You beat them both. You’ll beat him.”

Before I could respond, I stopped, abruptly. At the foot of the stairs, a short woman stood, waving to me. She had blonde hair, shaved on one side and swooping over her eyes. Even at this distance, I could see the definition in her bare arms. She was tough. Built like the mountains from whence her people hailed.

A dwarf. The one who’d almost caused Brett’s death just last night.

I practically charged her. I had Voidshot back and I was drawing it. Damn the witnesses!

The dwarf caught my arm before I could reveal my weapon.

“No, no, Drummond. I’m not here to fight. Keep that pea-shooter stowed.”

“I should kill you!” I growled, quietly, as some people stopped to ogle the Last Light being politely grappled by a dwarf.

“You should.” She nodded. “But then that would leave my debt unpaid. And I know you are not one to destroy a dwarf like that.”

I couldn’t help but relax at her words. Her accent was…peculiar. As if a combination of Scottish and French. It wasn’t the dwarven accent I was used to hearing. But I didn’t know many dwarves.

“There are many principles that define a dwarf,” she continued. “Never leave a debt unpaid and leave no dishonourable act unmended.”

She furrowed her brow. “Despite my aggression last night…I know I acted dishonourably. I would like to make up for it.”

“Kill your associate.”

She grinned, almost predatorily. “It doesn’t work that way, Drummond. An eye for an eye. No blood was spilled last night. So, you cannot ask for blood to spill in turn. What I took from you was sleep. I cannot give that sleep back, but I can make amends in other ways. I want to buy you lunch.”

“Taking food from the enemy isn’t smart practice.”

She nodded. “I am your enemy, yes. But enemies can dine together – in neutral territory. Pick a place to eat. There’ll be no poison. No tricks. I have the honour of my ancestors and their stone halls to maintain.”

I considered her words. There didn’t seem to be deceit in any of them. Darius’ entire MO was deceit and control, but this dwarf seemed different. She seemed like…a warrior.

I nodded, slowly. She released my arm and I re-holstered Voidshot.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Anni Fleur,” she answered. She seemed simultaneously appalled and proud.

“Very French.”

“It isn’t a dwarven name, no. I was born on Earth. In Hope City, in fact, but was raised by dwarven immigrants who had first rifted into France.”

“Interesting. Explains the accent. Are you really going to buy me lunch?”

Treth appeared, glaring at me. “Are you really going to take her up on that?”

What?! I’m hungry.

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