Shield and Crocus by Michael R. Underwood

Author:Michael R. Underwood [Underwood, Michael R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fantasy
Goodreads: 20791883
Publisher: 47north
Published: 2014-04-16T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

First Sentinel

For several moments, the steady rhythm of turning wheels was the only sound in the train. Nevri regarded the Shields with an inscrutable smile. First Sentinel was very aware of the four Freithin looming tall in the train-car.

Let’s see if we can’t get some more information before I rid the city of the woman responsible for its fall.

According to Ghost Hands, Sapphire and Blurred Fists stood ready in the car behind them. Ghost Hands herself and Sabreslate were waiting at the checkpoint ahead. We’re as prepared as we can be. It’s time to see who has the better contingency plan.

First Sentinel started in on the gangster, trying to moderate his tone. He failed. “I think you forgot to mention something about the explosive you gave us. A Soulburner?”

Her face didn’t so much as twitch. “Oh, that. You’re welcome. After all, it was the only thing guaranteed to destroy the Rebirth engine. And according to my records, that neighborhood gives your group a lot of trouble. Highest rate of Spark-storms, highest incidence of Spark-touched converted to the Smiling King’s army. Consider it a bonus for services rendered.”

Leaning forward his seat, First Sentinel gave her the same look that had broken the resolve of a thousand criminals. “Your ‘bonus’ cost hundreds of lives.”

Nevri leaned back—only a finger’s span—but for First Sentinel, every bit of it was delicious. He saw flecks of yellow fear appear in the coppery-red thread tying her heart to his own. I’m getting to her. he restrained the urge to recite the names of his dead friends, shove the names of the dead in her face. But he had to wait just a little longer. The checkpoint was coming soon. It would have been impossible to secret all six of them into the train at once. But this way, they’d all be there to see Nevri’s end.

Nevri lifted a briefcase to her lap. “Despite your refusal to follow the schedule, I intend to hold up my end of the bargain,” she said, changing the subject. First Sentinel suspected that the money might be booby-trapped, but didn’t care. His eyes never left the Plutocrat.

First Sentinel leaned forward, going through the motions to take the briefcase at her feet. Not long, now.

She held up the suitcase, her hands full and her attention down on the lock.

They weren’t to the checkpoint yet. Another minute.

It has to be now. There may never be a better moment.

First Sentinel leapt across the gap and closed his hands around her throat. His face went wild, eyes burning with fury as he squeezed her windpipe closed with his shock gloves. Aegis intercepted two of the guards as they closed on the pair. First Sentinel’s bracelet glowed with alarm and he heard the rear door break open. That’ll be Sapphire. his backup would be in here in an instant, and then it would be four Shields against four Freithin thugs and one helpless tyrant.

First Sentinel growled, “You won’t get away this time. Not like you got

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.