Page 73 of Revenge of the Forgotten

“Of course, Commander. I would nev?—”

Bridger cut him off. “That includes Marlena. She doesn’t need to know every little detail about how I run my show here.”

The boy nodded now that he had room to without slicing his jugular. Bridger drew his sword back into its place and stepped away, flicking his wrist in dismissal. “I will be waiting for you at the border of Fraus in three hours. Do not be late.”

Halo said nothing, and when Bridger blinked, he was gone.

Bridger stood alone in the room, a smile that would bring chills upon any who saw it spreading across his face as he basked in the silence surrounding him. He’d planted his seed.

Slowly but surely, he would break down the trust Marlena was building with people like Halo, with the ones whose powers couldn’t be understood—the ones who Marlena was trying to take hold of like a parasite.

He would protect those who would protect him.

Bridger wasn’t stupid. The more control he had over his soldiers, the less Marlena had… and that was worth more than anything in this world.

The dreams about Vega were wearing on him, breaking him down while he relived some of the hardest moments of his life, and even so, he still held on to the hope inside that one day, Marlena would crumble on the very throne she’d built through blood and death.

All things came to an end, and Bridger knew when Marlena’s reign finally shattered, he’d go down with her.

But he could leave a legacy within the people whose lives he changed. Not all the people of Tolevarre believed him to be the unforgiving commander he painted himself to be.

His men were waiting when he arrived, jostling about the training center. Some warmed up their muscles, others chatted with their comrades. Meyer sat in a corner, staring blankly at nothing.

Their fight still felt fresh after Bridger’s mutilation of one of their soldiers. They hadn’t talked since that night.

“Is the new base ready in Solum?” Bridger asked as he approached his right-hand man.

Meyer sat up straight when he realized Bridger was beside him. “Yeah, my group and I are leaving in a few minutes.” Meyer’s usual demeanor was strong and assured. Right now, he sounded withdrawn and laden with unspoken anger.

Neither of them had time to hash out whatever was building between them.

They had orders. Orders from a woman who better get what she wanted if they wanted their heads safely on their shoulders.

“Good,” Bridger said, nodding for Meyer to stand. He did without hesitation. “I need you in this.” An order from his commander.

“I am.”

“No. I need you level-headed with no animosity blinding you.” Bridger could see right through him.

“If you’re talking about the other night, I’ve forgotten all about it,” Meyer bluffed.

Bridger sighed. “Do you think I don’t know when you’re lying to me?”

Meyer scowled, trying to avert his gaze away from Bridger. “We’re not friends, remember? What does it matter?”

Bridger wouldn’t apologize for what he’d said, always too afraid of looking weak. “I spoke without thinking. You should know I’m good at that by now.”

There was a moment of silence between the two before a soldier came up behind them, bowing her head before speaking. “Commander Dimico. General Ignis. Both troops are ready to go.”

Meyer spoke before Bridger had the chance. “We will be there shortly. Start loading up.”

The woman nodded, leaving the two in silence again.

“Keep an eye out for rebels today as you travel into Solum. They’re going to be on high alert and ready to attack,” Bridger said, fixing his cape before leaning against a wall casually, an air of ease around him.

“More so than any other day?” Meyer asked.

“I met with Halo early this morning.” Meyer’s brow raised in piqued interest. Bridger could see his mood shifting behind his eyes. “Vega will be in Fraus today visiting a witch to get her memories restored. We’re going to intercept.”

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