Crusader (Battle Born Book 1) by Cyndi Friberg

Author:Cyndi Friberg [Friberg, Cyndi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Anything-but-Ordinary
Published: 2015-05-15T05:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

Akim stared down at Letos and Chandar as they knelt before him, heads bowed, arms bound behind their backs. They’d been brought to his quarters a short time ago and already they’d exhausted his patience. Anger boiled within him, making speech difficult. They were each rumored to be invaluable, two of the most powerful beings alive. He’d thought this mission would be simple because of their extraordinary skills. So why had they proved utterly useless to him?

Freeing the handle of his flexwhip with a practiced twist, he clasped it with both hands. He had to do something to keep from strangling them as he spoke in low, succinct words. “You would have me believe that, without assistance, Keyran Tarr located this ship, burrowed through the most sophisticated shields Rodymia has ever produced, and miraculously freed my prisoners?” When they both remained silent, Akim kicked Letos in the chest, violently rocking him backward. “Well?”

Letos’s infuriated gaze stabbed into Akim for an instant before returning to the floor. “I thought your question was rhetorical, sir. I didn’t want to anger you by speaking out of turn.”

The bastard had been faultlessly polite since their last disciplinary session, but Akim didn’t buy the reformation. Letos despised him. Animosity radiated off the man in tangible waves. “Do you have another explanation for their escape?”

“I cannot explain their escape, sir. I only know I had no part in it.”

He sounded sincere and confidant as only one speaking the truth could be, and still Akim hesitated. “You were the last one to interact with them. You could have passed Ashley some sort of beckon, allowing the Crusader to find her.”

“The Crusader and the Relentless are sister ships. Wouldn’t your ship pick up any signal sent to the other?”

The answer was yes, but Akim wasn’t willing to confirm the fact. “No one else had access to the prisoners.”

“What about Erkott?”

Chandar’s question was so softly spoken Akim barely heard her. “You’re accusing my brother?”

“Of course not.” She didn’t sound nearly as convincing as Letos. In fact, she sounded almost bored. “I was just pointing out that Letos was not the only one with opportunity and access.”

“My brother has no reason to betray me.” Akim snapped the flexwhip out to his side, freeing the single lash, its default form. He’d hoped the subtle threat would shut her up, but he should have known better. Chandar could be cowed for short periods of time but her spirit remained unbroken. A fact that never failed to chafe.

“It couldn’t have been easy to grow up in your shadow,” she pointed out carefully. “Resentment is a powerful motivator.”

Was Erkott resentful? He seemed loyal, but that could be a façade. Was he— What in hells rings was wrong with him? He would not listen to her malicious slander. He activated a general comlink with a mental pulse as he glared at the top of Chandar’s head. Erkott report to my quarters immediately.

On my way, sir, came the crisp reply.

“He has a right to face his accuser,” Akim muttered, slapping the side of his boot with the lash.

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