Rune Gate Cycle: Omnibus by Mark E. Cooper

Author:Mark E. Cooper [Cooper, Mark E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Tags: psychic, clairvoyant, serial killer, urban fantasy, Fantasy, Witches
Publisher: Impulse Books UK
Published: 2015-11-01T06:00:00+00:00

6 ~ Betrayed

Lloyd lay awake staring into the darkness. Events had finally conspired to give him an opportunity that he would be a fool not to act upon, but getting started was hard. It would be a betrayal of the others. He sighed, forcing his thoughts away from his guilt and onto what he needed to do. The decision was already made, and besides, they wouldn’t be hurt by his choices; he would see to that. He liked Alex and her friends. It was Douglas he had the problem with.

He had bided his time until tonight for a number of reasons. Alex’s magic had been the biggest one, but now that she wore the ward stone pendant, she wouldn’t know anything unless she took it off. Secondly, he had needed a night that Douglas wasn’t standing watch. That man took his responsibilities too seriously to risk trying anything while he was awake. Thirdly, there was Karel himself to deal with. The answer had fallen in his lap only that morning when Douglas had given Karel a choice to ride gagged as usual, or be spelled asleep and thrown over a saddle like luggage. Alex had suggested Karel swear an oath on his powers—something Douglas had told her about apparently—but Karel had steadfastly refused. Michael had asked why anyone would refuse when it was obviously better to swear than be gagged, and Douglas explained that the Goddess herself bore witness and punished oath breakers harshly. An oath breaker cursed by the Goddess never lived long. Karel was insanely dangerous. There was no way he could be trusted to deal fairly unless forced. Just as Douglas forced him with handcuffs, gags, and spells, he planned to coerce Karel with an oath that he would accept but never break.

It will work, I know it will.

It wasn’t time for him to stand watch, but he couldn’t wait any longer. His few belongings were in his pack ready to go, and sleep was beyond him. He crawled quietly out of the tent, careful not to wake Tomas and looked around. It was pitch dark, but the banked campfire gave enough light for him to make out Michael. He was sitting cross-legged with his sword across his knees, staring into the trees. He had his back to the fire to preserve his night vision, and seemed to be taking good care to stay alert—he kept his head moving, not letting himself zone out with staring too long.

“Hey,” Michael said, keeping his voice low.

“Hey,” he replied. “I couldn’t sleep; I thought I might as well take over from you.”

Michael nodded, but not in agreement. “I could use the company. I’ll sit with you a bit.”

“No need. Why don’t you get some rest?”

“Nah, I’m good for a couple more hours, but thanks.”

Lloyd gritted his teeth. Damn! He chose a spot near the fire and sat. “You think Mark knows about any of this?”

“I’ve thought about it, but I can’t say I know what the police would tell them. I mean, think about it.

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