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

keeping Rosanheer. Clove or not, I don't want to be the only male warrior going into hostile territory. Besides, his looks could come in handy.”

Sedom paused, thinking. “I can respect that. As long as you warn Rosanheer of the risks involved. Danstu... agreed to this?”

“He thought it was odd, but said it would be an honor to serve beside us,” Zion mentioned.

“Before or after he wet himself?” Sedom laughed.

“Yes, well…” Zion grumbled.

“No, I need him here. Someone has to manage this chaos while I’m gone. I want you to ask Tremble to join the team and have her recommend someone she trusts. Preferably a good shot… maybe Zello. Zion, seriously, what do we know about Danstu? I've been so preoccupied that I haven't even thought about looking into his background. Which... which is foolish considering how many responsibilities I've given him lately. He does seem quiet... adept at his job.”

“I'll send you my report. I think you'll be impressed,” he mentioned.

“I have a few items to take care of then we'll get the group together,” Sedom decided. “If anyone else needs me, I'll be in the science lab fixing this damn collar, again.”

“Can you install a new personality as well?” Zion joked.

Sedom started to walk away, then paused. “If it were so easy I'd have a collar around your throat,” she smarted back.

She disappeared down a long alleyway and through the doors of a four-story white building. From the outside of the building, it was nothing fancy. Inside, the floors were crafted from glass so clear it looked like she was walking on ice. She looked up, able to see the three floors above her and everything within them.

She turned down another hall and immediately opened a door to her right. The creaked open and the lights blinked on immediately, revealing a lavish, well equipped lab.

“Good. I thought I read the map correctly. Now, where are the parts?” she questioned to herself.

Sometime later, she noticed the squeaky door to the lab opened. Danstu appeared inside the lab. He glanced around the room, inspecting the science equipment. “Impressive,” he stated. “I've never seen a lab so well equip. I know some Windrits that would die of envy.”

“It would be if half of it still worked,” Sedom grumbled. “Have a seat, we need to talk.”

Danstu pulled up a stool and sat next to Sedom near the workbench. “What do you need to talk about? You’re not thinking about using that on me, are you?” he half-joked.

Sedom continued working on the collar. “Funny. No, this is Garric's. Thankfully, we had extra collars in storage. I had already programmed this one to fit him, so I'm switching out the parts,” she explained. “So who is Danstu? I realize I know little about you. I don't even know if you have a second name.”

“Keriney, Danstu Keriney,” he said. “I came to live with my uncle a few months ago to help out after my mother died. Before that, I served as a political advisor to a government official on Loos called Marion No'nee who is now a Calembras. Um… I can provide you with his contact information if you wish. I'll admit he wasn't happy losing me and I didn't leave on the best of terms.”

Sedom nodded several times, concentrating too deeply on her task to reply.

“As for schooling, I have training in political and diplomatic studies from three of the top schools on Loos. I graduated with high honors and hired directly by No'nee.”

She glanced up at him amused. “Three? Usually one is all you need,” Sedom questioned, finding it rather odd the man would switch schools so often.

“I attended all at the same time. I sought out only the best professors to hone my skills,” he explained as he handed her the tool she needed.

“Windrit,  hum? Take it you had no social life?” Sedom grunted finding it rather odd that a Crehail man would intentionally seek out a Windrit school. “Is it true about them playing with your head?”

Danstu watched Sedom for a moment, studying her words. “Only if you allow them. It takes a lot of skill to keep them from your thoughts. The Windrit are a ruthless bunch, partly why I wanted to study their techniques. If I could battle against the best and survive that meant I was worth my keep.”

A flash of light gleamed from Sedom's laser tool sparkled against her goggles and across her golden eyes. “And speaking of battle, I take it you haven’t seen much real action in the field?”

“I've been trained as a protector, that’s all. The only time I’ve spent in the field has been here. I always carried a weapon when I traveled with No-nee. It was part of the detail of serving as an advisor. I once killed an assassin. No'nee gave me an extra week vacation for that. I never used it.”

Sedom looked up, her eyes magnified by the goggles. “Not much vacation time here, unfortunately. Maybe in the future. If you have so much training and experience, why work for me?”

Danstu rose from his seat, his face placid. “Norton Helli left a short time ago. He said it was urgent he leave immediately and to thank you for your hospitality. The Marnet agreed to return to J-Q. Mr. Helli is flying out now to meet the Marnet on Carmintor.”

Sedom grunted. “Can't say I'm happy to hear the Marnet's returning. That's going to complicate my life,” she huffed. She moved the goggles away from her eyes and to the top of her head. “Zion mentioned you were coming with us?” she brought up, still trying to understand why Danstu wouldn't answer her question.

“Yes, I agreed. I will go where you need me,” he offered.

“What I need is you here, handling the affairs in Gathow while I’m away. Besides, if something happens