Page 221 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

Samkiel towered over the man as he wrapped his hand around his throat. He pulled the guard back against him and applied pressure, the man going limp in his arms. His friend spun and opened his mouth to yell, but my fist shot out. I heard bones crunch, and the whites of his eyes flew upward as he fell backward. Samkiel looked at me, still holding the limp guard in his arms, and I shrugged. His eyes widened a fraction as the third guard charged at me from behind, but I spun and raised my foot, the kick catching him in the chest. His body sailed through the front door.

“I said quietly!” Samkiel hissed at me.

“This is quiet to me,” I hissed back.

Someone roared behind us. Several guards within the small room saw us and turned to run. Samkiel tossed his unconscious guard inside, knocking a few of them off their feet. I followed him inside, closing the half-broken door behind me.

REGGIE MOVED THE LAST GUARD INTO THE SMALL CLOSET, AND I tried and failed to shut the door twice. A stupid boot was in the way. I leaned down, moving it inside before finally shutting it with a click.

I stood, wiping my hands on my pants. Miska headed down a small hall, and we followed after her. Samkiel stood by a desk covered in sheets of parchment and scrolls. A heavy, odd-shaped paperweight held a thick, worn page down on one side, and Samkiel’s hand held the other edge. He ran his index finger over it, his head jerking up as we entered.

“Orym was right,” Samkiel said. “This was a small meeting, but this is just a diagram of the water supply system here and in the neighboring town. There are also a few scrolls listing places they grow crops and some information about a shipping company. It’s a lot.”

“That’s good, right?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “It would be if I had more manpower to spread. I’d never make it to all of these in time. She seems intent on cutting off supply chains. These places nearby are ones that hang in between long treks. The Eye may depend on them to feed their soldiers.”

“If,” I interjected, “if she still keeps at it. If we have them, she may change plans.”

His eyes searched mine. “That does not make me feel any better.”

“No, but this map.” I came around the desk to stand beside him, gazing down at it. “This gives you an advantage and gives us a peek at how her brain works. It also tells us what posts she is interested in.”

He smiled and swept his hand across my hair. I felt that warm feeling spread across my skin as he looked at me with pride, or maybe it was just pure, unbridled affection. Regardless, I didn’t care.

“See.” I smiled up at him. “I’m more than just a pretty face.”

Samkiel chuckled, but it was short-lived as the small device in his pocket vibrated. He pulled it out, the round, dark circle beeping. He placed it on the table, and two lightly shimmering images appeared.

“Samkiel,” Orym greeted. “Did you find it?”

Samkiel reached back and grabbed the nearby chair, pulling it close as he sat.

“Yes,” Samkiel said. “I found a map and a few pieces of information regarding Havrok Bay and shipments. I can look at the rest tomorrow once we are home.”

“Perfect, but you’re going to love this,” Veruka piped in, taking up more of the shadowy image. “We’re at a bar off the coast of Ravinne. Two commanders just landed on the outskirts with a crate. We think they are carrying weapons and taking a quick break before returning to her.”

Samkiel sat up a bit straighter, casting me a look. I nodded, and he turned back to them.

“Okay, perfect. You two stay there to make sure they don’t leave. Dianna and I will be there shortly.”

Orym and Veruka agreed to stay put before disappearing back into that device. Samkiel gathered the pages he’d found before turning to me.

“I have an idea,” I said.

“No,” he responded before moving around the desk.

“You didn’t let me finish.”

“I already know what you are going to say, and it’s a no.”

I tossed my hands up and followed him from the room. He made it to Miska and Reggie before I caught up with him.

“Listen, it will take me less time to get the weapons. You won’t be seen, and I can bring them back here. Besides, if they are so concerned about the water, maybe we need to make sure they haven’t already tried to poison it or interrupt the supply.”

Samkiel and Reggie looked at me, the muscles in Samkiel’s jaw working.

“Listen, if the bond works off a strong emotional connection, we will be fine. I’m just a thought away.” The line in Samkiel’s jaw flexed again, and I raised my hand. “I can handle a crate of weapons, and besides, Veruka and Orym will be there.”

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