King of the Seditious

Peak Mountain, Black Mountains, Battling Border

RADIX MALORUM

“Leige?” Okine rushed into Radix’s den.

“Yes?” Radix turned from the stone board laid out before him. Eyeing the pieces depicting kings and queens he already had in place throughout the country. His hands were linked behind his back. But he turned quickly enough that his worn gray robes whirled around him.

Okine shrank a little as the Demon Master’s black eyes levelled on him.

“There word Savage Boy leave woman unprotected.”

“In the Guild?”

“Yes, Liege.”

“Send men to destroy her.” Radix began a slow toothy grin. His lips peeling too far up his face as he did. His eyes tingeing in the orange that revealed his true nature.

Okine lowered his head in deference. Backing from the room as if even he was afraid to fully turn his back on his master.

Further down the cavern halls, Chavias was pressed to the door to see motion in the main stone corridor. Trying to hear everything they said. His brow furrowed at the thought that they were again aiming for the woman Savage was protecting.

He drew a long breath, hoping that Savage’s instincts would defeat Radix yet again.

1722 Blue Lark Guild, Dread Country

SAVAGE JAXSON

“Are you going to do it?” Dimurah asked the next night.

Don’t ask this of me.

But she’d been furious ever since he’d killed Libby the barmaid.

Unforgiving. Relentless in her fury. Savage had tried to make amends, but she’d refused to speak a word to him.

Now he was quiet. Wore down. “If that’s what you wish.”

Don’t do this.

It’s a bad idea. But he characteristically held his silence.

“It is.” She slammed a tankard to the countertop. Giving him a meaningful glare.

“Fine.” He gave her an assessing study.

They’re going to hurt you.

She was back to ignoring him.

You’re not giving me a choice…He worked hard to hide that he breathed quickly. That his grip on the tankard was white knuckled.

Steadying himself he turned and loudly announced. “Assassins!” He opened his arms. Commanding attention. Stepping on a chair and up to the top of the counter. “Winter Haven,” He spun a circle with his finger. Gesturing around them. “Is no longer under my protection.”

There was much whooping and delighted hollering.

It won’t last. He wanted to tell them. His eyes flitted over the room. Taking in the faces of everyone there. Pinpointing the most dangerous.

A glance over his shoulder verified Dimurah felt the instant change in the alehouse. All eyes drawn to her. He noted the hard swallow moving the smooth lines of her throat.

This is dangerous. Savage leapt down. Took his full tankard and moved to a back booth. Flinching as he watched the scene unfold.

One man leaned over the counter and yanked her hood back. Revealing her flood of red hair. “It’s pretty. Let it hang…out.” His eyes slid lower. Where her cloak cracked open to reveal her cleavage as she moved.

She sent a furtive glance to the corner where Savage sipped his drink.

He didn’t so much as look up under her study. Careful to hide the tightening of his body. The rigid flexing of every muscle in his chest and arms.

Dimurah looked at the other assassins and saw they stared her way.

Some thoughtfully, some hatefully, and some purely starved.

But all their expressions made her stomach sink.

And are churning mine.

As she set another drink on the counter a man caught her wrist. “No need to go so quickly.”

She tugged slightly but he didn’t let go. Grip turning nearly painful.

Savage watched from the corner of her eyes. How far are you going to let this go? But Savage was aware that he often stepped on toes and knew Dimurah wouldn’t appreciate his assistance until she wanted it.

Want it soon. He willed her. All you need do is ask.

I’ll rip them apart.

Dimurah’s eyes found RedBayne sitting in the corner.

Mouth tight he shook his head as though ashamed of her.

She winced. Sending RedBayne a nearly pleading glance.

He tossed his head down the line of booths to where he knew Savage sat.

He’s not going to help you. Out of respect for me. Savage knew him well.

She shook her head in answer. Watching in horror as RedBayne slid to his feet and aimed to exit Winter Haven.

Savage knew he was extracting from the situation, but even he found it unsettling. Knowing that left only Savage for Murah to plead to for help. I’m not sure she can let her pride go enough to take me off this chain she’s bound me with.

“Don’t go!” She called when RedBayne reached the door.

He paused to give her a meaningful look before tossing his red head toward Savage in the corner.

She won’t. She’s not ready.

But I’ll be here when she is.

Her lips whitened and she shook her head adamantly.

The door clicked behind RedBayne as he left.

Assassins began to cluster the counter. Making crude comments about her in much the same way they often talked about Belline or Adrea.

She’s no whore. He heard every word. Striking like a hammer.

Dimurah shifted uneasily.

Savage finished his drink. Slapping his tankard back to the table he rose and, without looking at her, exited the alehouse.

Dimurah rushed out after him but found the courtyard empty. She swallowed a lump in her throat. Hesitantly stepping back inside, she assessed the alehouse apprehensively.

“What’s wrong?” Adrea asked.

“It doesn’t feel right in here.”

“No. It feels dangerous…” She agreed. “What did you do to him that he’s left us exposed like this?”

“I asked him to.”

“Are you crazy!” Adrea grabbed her arm to whisper to her. “These men are going to kill us!” She eyed them. Gaze skittering over their scarred faces. “What have you done?”

“You’re right.” Dimurah’s head sunk on her shoulders. “Get Belline and go out back. Go to my hut…”

“What about you?” Adrea asked urgently.

“I’ll be behind you soon.”

“Make it right, Dimurah!” She pleaded. “Get him back in here!” Adrea nodded as she backed up. Obediently ducking out.