Warmaster 5: The Glory Games: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure by Melissa McShane

Author:Melissa McShane [McShane, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Night Harbor Publishing
Published: 2024-10-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Eight

“Kendria,” Owen confirmed.

“I can’t imagine anyone thinking Kendria needed to resort to murder to win,” Isold said. “Unless her mystique is all bluster, and she isn’t as good as they say.”

“No, you’re right. And I didn’t fight Asantis in the trials, but I doubt he’s as good as Kendria. So maybe someone made assumptions, and did a little preemptive murder.” Owen’s expression was hard and cold. “Someone knew Denae would fight Asantis, and got rid of her so Asantis got a free pass on that fight.”

“Is that what happens if some contender doesn’t fight?” Livia asked. “If they’re sick, or they forget and miss the schedule? Their opponent advances?”

“Yeah. They were sure to warn us about being there on time and the consequences of lateness.” Owen tapped the paper idly, smearing the charcoal just enough to make the last letters of Kendria’s name illegible. “But I have no idea how we could prove this theory. Any one of a million people in Finion’s Gate might try this stunt. The Beguiler might be in someone else’s employ rather than acting on her own. All we know is someone went to a lot of trouble to kill Denae, and her death had to have something to do with the Games. Nothing else makes sense.”

Aderyn sat heavily on the bed. “I’m worried. That Beguiler might be anywhere. And if she, or maybe whoever hired her, isn’t done attacking competitors, Owen might be on her list.”

“There’s nothing we can do about that either,” Livia said. “Nothing but stay alert for the sound of a flute.”

Weston took Livia’s hand. “Let’s sleep on it,” he suggested, “and maybe something will become obvious—what are you writing now, Owen?”

“Just filling in the rest of the bracket.” Owen paused with the pencil held above the paper. “Huh. Depending on who wins this match, Pace might be my next opponent.”

Aderyn stood up and peered at the paper. “He has to beat Basel. He’s a champion, right?”

“The fourth-ranked champion,” Owen said. “That will be a match to watch.”

“When do you fight next?” Weston asked.

“Not for a while. The last four openers have to be decided, and then the losers’ bracket games determine the first round of eliminations.” Owen grinned and put an arm around Aderyn’s waist. “That means I’ll have nothing distracting me while I watch my favorite team sweep its way to victory.”

“Oh, don’t jinx us,” Aderyn said. “Some of these teams are really good. And even those awful Scrappers came close to beating us.”

“It wasn’t all that close. That woman was still working her way across the floating islands when Weston crossed the finish line.”

“Well, I’m ready for bed, where I’ll probably dream about bouncing across an endless row of floating islands,” Weston said, opening the door for Livia and Isold to exit. “Good night.”

Owen steered Aderyn around the table to shut the door behind their friends. Then he turned her in his arms to hold her closer. “My actual favorite part,” he whispered, “is hearing those men talk about how they plan to approach the Swift for her favor.

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