Duty Bound by Christina Bauer

Author:Christina Bauer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Monster House Books, LLC

Chapter Nine

The days slowly tick by, and my mood doesn’t improve. Three days have passed since I saw the demon girl, and I’m trying to get back to my routine.

And since my routine includes planning to end the Earl’s demon patrol rights, I’ve a very busy schedule. Everything will come together tonight, at the great event for the Acca warriors to show their prowess in hand-to-hand combat.

The logical move now would be to re-read my stolen book on the Archer’s Moon, but that isn’t happening. Instead, I’m running through some modern-style documents from Purgatory and—much as I hate to admit this—checking the fighting schedules of quasi Arena warriors.

In other words, the whole “focusing on my great secret scheme against Aldred” thing is a work in progress.

Plus, these Purgatory documents are illegible. The ghouls give crazy names to the fighters. I lift the top sheet. Take this one, for example. The warrior is called Sharkey’s Bane ZX-64. How am I supposed to track down someone using such an arcane filing system?

I should be more like Mother and cultivate a network of spies. Only, Mother’s spies are in Antrum, and I’d need some here in Purgatory.

What am I thinking? I won’t be staying in Purgatory long enough to cultivate anything but an end to Aldred killing his own people. And that’s if I’m lucky.

Father slams open my cabin door. On reflex, I hide the Purgatory docs and swap them out with some traditional thrax scrolls.

“Greetings, Father. How was your trip?”

“I’ve been to Heaven. Spending time with your mother is better.”

Normally, I try not to roll my eyes at such a statement. But this morning? There’s a twinge in my chest. It feels a lot like jealousy.

Father gestures to my table. “And what are you up to this morning?”

“I’m just here, checking the latest grain mill treaties. Nothing to see.” That was horrible lying, but I have no choice but to keep going. “Would you like to review some scrolls with me?”

“No, I’m sure it’s fine.” Father kicks the door shut behind him. “You’re an excellent ruler. Your tutors would be proud.” He purses his lips. “We’re to have a display of Acca warriors in close combat, I hear.”

“That’s tonight after dark.”

“There’s nothing you can do to stop Acca from taking his people on demon patrol, except risk your own life in the process.”

“I can make them better prepared.”

“Perhaps.” Father eyes me closely. “You look tired, my son. This situation with Acca must be wearing on you.”

“No, I’ve grown accustomed to Aldred.” It’s thinking about this demon girl that I’m not used to.

“Come now, my boy. Something is bothering you.”

Just like with Walker, I can’t stop myself from asking the wrong question. “What’s it like with Mother? She’s your peer, your partner. How important is that to you?”

“Octavia is my life.” A twinge of guilt darkens Father’s eyes. “But you and I are different men. In your case, you don’t care for silly romance. I raised you that way. You’re a warrior, through and through.

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