The Deadwalk by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

"So where are we going to get an army?"

Riordan was dismayed to realized that until now, her thoughts had been focused on selfish matters: the cruelty of her fate, her fledgling romance with Nhaille. Even finding the Sword had come a distant second, until she had been kidnapped by Doan-Rau.

Locating the Sword was where her plans ended. She hadn't expected to succeed, honestly hadn't expected to live that long.

Guess there's something to be said for long range planning. Rau's scathing remarks about her strategic ability stung even in memory. More so because deep down she knew he was right.

"It might please you to know your father was neither stupid, blind nor idle."

Nhaille's voice revealed his anger at her condemnation of his King. And the comment hurt. She hadn't meant to accuse her father of either crime. He'd paid dearly enough for his decision to wait to see if the prophecy unfolded.

"The Kanarekii underground has been active since you were born. A mechanism for a counter-strike is in place. With the Sword at our disposal, we finally have the resources to put your father's plans into action. Hopefully enough of our countrymen survived to assist us."

She regarded the space between Strayhorn's ears, refusing to meet Nhaille's eyes.

"He did the best he could for you under the circumstances."

Dead staring eyes accused her. Could it be that he'd cared after all? Enough to send her beyond harm's reach? Enough to sacrifice his most capable officer to protect her. Perhaps in the beginning he hadn't believed, but he'd put the skeleton of a rebellion in place anyway.

And prayed he was wrong.

"You inherited his greatest burden and his deepest sorrow, but he did love you, Riordan."

"He never knew me, Nhaille."

"Yes he did. He watched you from afar. He was certain that if any of his children could accomplish such a thing, it would be you."

"The one time he came to see me, all he did was shout at me. How do you think that felt? He could have spared me a moment of compassion. At least then I would have known I was loved."

"He was a desperate man. He feared his love would weaken you."

"I was just a child." Her pale eyes flashed at him. "It was unfair to treat me that way."

"You were never just a child, Riordan. You were our only hope."

"I wasn't allowed to be a child. That's the truth of it, isn't it, Nhaille?"

"Unfortunately that is so." He offered her a hopeful glance. "Perhaps when the worst of this is over, you will have a chance to do some of the things you wanted to do with your life."

"If I live long enough." She slammed her fist against her thigh. "You've all looked to me for your salvation. Whose shoulder am I going to lean on in my desperation?"

He set his jaw against the wound she dealt him. "I am here, Riordan," he said quietly.

She bit her tongue against the tears. Apparently it was not destined to go well between them today.

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