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

“Yes, Chadon,” Danstu called back.

“Fine. Start with finding me one-hundred people to work the basic military operations of Gathow. I’d like to know if we’re about to be attacked,” she explained.

Danstu bowed. “Right away, Chadon.” He waited a moment, wondering if Sedom was going to say anything else. She didn’t.

Zion grabbed him by the arm, leading him out of the gym. “That went well,” he said smirking.

Danstu glanced back, watching Sedom punch her bag. “Was that…?”

Zion grunted. “The man responsible for killing her family, yes. The orbs killed him when he entered Gathow uninvited. She’s been pissed-off over it ever since,” he answered.

“Over him entering Gathow?” Danstu asked to clarify.

He shook his head. “No, that she wasn’t the one to kill him.”

Danstu cringed. “She almost seems the type to go off on a blood vendetta,” he mentioned.

Rosanheer hurried over to the two as the two exited the gym. “Have you seen Sortec?” he asked.

Zion motioned inside. “I would wait. She’s beating up your tocom,” he joked.

Rosanheer’s dark skin paled. “Damn. We’ll it can wait. Danstu,” he said, bowing slightly to Danstu. He hurried off without looking back.

Danstu turned to Zion in question. “Tocom, the Zalmin word for—”

“Father? Yes. Rosanheer is Talenvanc’s only son. Sortec holds no vendettas, only grudges. And she wasn’t joking about killing you. It’s something I know her capable of and I certainly wouldn’t put it past her.”

Danstu closed his eyes, holding back his anxiety. “I know. Any advice?”

“Keep your head down and do a good job,” Zion joked.

“Goes without being said,” Danstu grunted.

Zion took Danstu by the arm, forcing him to remain. “Deep down, she has a kind heart. If she calls you friend, she will go to the ends of the universe for you. Regardless of how she may act, she is still a child who has been through hell and back. Remember that when you’re talking to her. And don’t bring up her family.”

“Got it.”

***

Rosanheer paced outside the gym, trying to gain the courage to go in. He welled up his nerve and entered. From the front door, he could hear Sedom’s grunts and her punching something.

“Sortec, a word?” he called from afar.

Sedom turned to Rosanheer, instantly stopping her workout. “Rosanheer! Oh, uh, it must be important for you to come in here,” she called back. She waved him closer as she covered her punching bag with another black bag.

“Um… thank you,” he said, motioning to the bag.

“It wasn’t appropriate for you to see,” she mentioned. “I should probably store it someplace else.”

“My father was a son-of-a-sool, you have every right,” he admitted. Sedom stared at him for a long, uneasy moment. “Oh, I wanted to know what your plans are for the orphans.”

She toweled off her face. “As far as I know, we only have three. Two children have been taken in by others and the one who’s in the infirmary we’re waiting to see how he is. I was told he was forced to watch his parents tortured to death. I can tell you from personal experience; it can really mess with a child’s head.”

He leaned against a bench, cupping his hands in front of him. “I would like to take the boy in.”

Sedom shook her head as she tossed her towel into her bag. “You did hear me, right? The Marisheio tortured his parents in front of him. You really think that’s wise?” she mentioned, motioning up and down to his Marisheio looking exterior.

“It hasn’t seemed to hurt his affections towards me. Sortec, I want to care for the boy,” Rosanheer admitted.

“And you can do that while maintaining your duties?” Sedom questioned.

“Other’s here have children. We’ll figure out something,” he spoke honestly.

Sedom grabbed her bag and motioned for him to follow her. “You’ve already proven yourself, so I know you’re sticking around. I don’t care if you want to take care of the boy, but the Crowarl citizens might. Talk to Nokinil or… Danstu and see what they have to say.”

Rosanheer nodded as he thought. He turned his attention back to the door. “You’re giving Danstu a chance?”

Sedom shrugged as she toweled off. “Lolum seems to think he’s worth it and Zion is… well, he’s practically worshiping the man. I’m willing to give it a try,” she admitted. “I gave you a try and so far I haven’t been disappointed.”

***

Ratisha rolled into the infirmary and towards Noral’s office. One of the patients coughed. She turned to see who coughed, her face paled. “Alree?” She gulped.

Noral poked his head out of his office to see what happened to Ratisha. “What is it?” he asked concerned.

Ratisha raised a shaky finger over to Alree’s bed. “Is that Taraam Alree?” she asked within a gulp.

He poked his head out further to see who Ratisha was pointing to. “Yes, I believe that’s what Rosanheer called him. Problem?”

“If he’s here, yes. The Marisheio will know exactly where we are.”

Noral held up a small jar filled with liquid. “We removed three tracking chips. He’s not a threat.”

“Says you,” she grumbled. She rolled over to his bedside, looking down at his sleeping face.

“Heard you got caught,” he spoke low. “You okay?”

“Stuck in a chair for the rest of my life, but yeah I guess I’m okay. Why’d you leave Sidoc?” she asked, her words like sandpaper on ice.

Alree opened his eyes. “I slept with one of his women and he found out. Left before he could kill me.”

“He’ll kill her, you know that?” She whispered.

Alree shook his head. “I dropped her off at a starbase near Londerwon. If she keeps her head down, she’ll be fine.”

Ratisha glared at him. “You’re a stupid bastard, you always have been. I hope Sortec realizes what you are, and sticks you in a cold