The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 by Elizabeth Price (good e books to read .txt) 📗

quickly. After I earned the rank of Rasadan, I went home to celebrate, but my father had to rush off and presumably find you. I found out that my father's wife sold my mother to a work-camp. Apparently she was offended by the sight of my mother and took the opportunity, while my father was away, to be rid of her. I tortured her until she told me where my mother was and then I took her eyes. That way no one would offend her sight again. I left never to return. I took what money I had, bought my mother's freedom and sent her to live on Carmintor. When my father learned what I had done, he disowned me… and a man without a father in the Marisheio is a death sentence. Since, I've spent my life doing the opposite of what my father wanted me to do… including joining our enemy.”

“And your father?” Sedom asked amused.

“I thought you'd figure that out,” he mentioned.

Sedom shrugged. “I wanted to hear it from you.”

Rosanheer moved his tray aside. “Talenvanc.” He looked into Sedom's questioning eyes. “This bothers you greatly? I know. It would bother me too. That’s why I asked you to research my background. If I told you, you might have thought I was a spy.”

Sedom's eyes turned upward in thought as she turned to the door. “He's dead, you know that, right?”

A sly smirk appeared on Rosanheer's lips. “I was not aware, no. How?” he asked. Sedom motioned to an orb that flew by the front door, obviously guarding Rosanheer. “That’s humorous. So I managed to do what that old fass couldn't?”

Sedom's eyes turned to slits. “What would that be?”

Rosanheer leaned closer to Sedom. “Infiltrate Gathow and befriend its leader. Then I can lull her into a false sense of sodality and learn all the secrets of the AO. I guess he did lack the proper social skills, hum?” he said sarcastically. He offered her a root. Sedom’s eyes grew tense on him. “Happen to know where a fellow can find a gateway?” he asked to lighten the mood.

“Down the alley and to the right,” she smiled, amused at Rosanheer's audacity. “Sounds like a suicide mission. I’m surprised I let you live for so long,” Sedom mused.

“So am I.” He grinned. “Honestly, I don't care about your gateway, your ships or the technology. It's meaningless without honor and integrity and there's no honor in killing millions of defenseless people. I may look Clove, but… well, I don't need to tell you. You already know my feelings and then some. Just know I'm with you.”

“It’s ironic how the galaxy works. Who would have thought the son of my greatest enemy would come to my aid.” She handed him a key-card. “Your story checks out with the Underground and you received a glowing recommendation from Braum Daveric. You're welcome to stay. The key opens your quarters, the blue building, third on the right. Your permanent quarters are four-zero-two. It has a nice view of the sun globe.” She offered Rosanheer her hand. “Welcome aboard.”

He gladly accepted. “Glad to hear.” He grew closer to Sedom. “What about your friend, Cidele I believe was her name? She seemed quite upset with me being here.”

“We talked. You're Zalmin in my eyes. She'll just have to get use to it,” she said, finding it odd that he would concern himself with Cidele's feelings.

Rosanheer nodded. “It is an honor to serve you, Chadon. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to get some bunk time.” He paused, looking into Sedom's tired eyes. “And if I may be so bold as to say that you should too? You worked hard out there. You deserve some down-time.”

Sedom chuckled as she stood. “Not until every bed is full and I have my army.”

Rosanheer stood, also frowning. “An army? We're going to need one. Rumors have it that the Marisheio are planning to build a base not too far from this location. That way they can scan for this city without disruption.”

Sedom ran her tongue over her teeth. “And you're willing to stay?” she asked, suddenly wondering if it was a good idea to keep him around after all.

“It’s a rumor only. That’s why I was on the planet, to confirm the rumor,” he covered. “I also happen to know a few other rogue soldiers, like Qilo and me. With your permission I'll ask them to join us.”

Sedom nodded without haste. “If they know how to fly, it would be even better.” Men like Qilo and Rosanheer would be a great benefit to Gathow and Sedom wasn’t about to let an opportunity pass her by. “Rosanheer,” she called as he neared the main doors. She wandered by the empty tables. “If I find that I can't trust you no army will keep me from slitting your throat. Same goes with any person employed by me,” she warned.

“Ratisha said once that she would protect you no matter what. Look what hell she went through. I pledged my honor to you… that should say something,” he said sternly. “Good night, Chadon.” He paused to allow Garric to enter. Both men barely acknowledged each other as they walked by.

Garric hurried inside, glancing at Rosanheer as he disappeared out the door. “Now I know I recognize that boy from somewhere,” he said as he approached Sedom.

“Talenvanc’s bastard,” Sedom said, taking the left over food to the trash. “I've agreed to let him stay, for now. He's a hell of a warrior.”

Garric's eyes widened. “Watch out, we'll take over after all.”

Sedom rolled her eyes as she sat. “If you all fought on my side, I wouldn't care.” She glanced down at his hands where he held a computer pad. “What news?”

He handed her the computer pad. “Update on the Braum. He's sent six science ships to the Nevet system to