Page 39 of Fate of Draga

Freeing Khara would be close, but the enslaved outnumbered the Neprijat. If at least three quarters of the Corinthian people rose up and fought back they could overwhelm them. Then Adelina and her forces could take out the warships and patrols.

But the horde…

Varan needed to find a solution for the horde or it would all be for naught.

He didn’t listen as the warrior came back and discussed dimensions with Kaiden. The following blast barely registered as he followed the winged warrior. The only thing Varan could think of as he took out a Neprijat and three more fell by Kaiden and Nash’s hands, was that he had to find a solution or he would lose everything he loved.

Before the final Neprijat could slit his throat, Varan flicked his wrist and the disc landed right on the Neprijat’s throat. It paralyzed him instantly. The blade clattered to the ground a split second before the body landed with a thump.

Mission over.

“Tie him to a chair,” Varan ordered, taking back command. “Kaiden find out what you can about this place while I question him. Nash, do as Kaiden says.”

In the back of his head he registered Nash’s obedience without a single growl or glare. The brute was learning, accepting his place. Varan’s joy at that would have to wait. This was far more important.

The Neprijat snarled and spewed threats. Varan didn’t even blink as he held that endless black gaze.

“Leave us.”

The warriors hesitated, but finally shuffled out of the room. Kaiden and Nash lingered the longest, but then they too left.

Sharp teeth glinted in the bright light as the Neprijat grinned wide. It wasn’t a pleasant sight. “You are her king.”

“No. She is my queen.” Varan tilted his head as he studied the creature, hand on the hilt of his sword and the other free to grab a blade at a second’s notice.

“As it should be.”

There it was. That oddity. “Why?”

The Neprijat tested the bonds as the paralytic wore off, but he’d been tied down expertly. There was no give anywhere and it made him bare his teeth in frustration. Then suddenly he slumped in the chair, shoulders drooping.

Varan narrowed his eyes, but kept his distance in case it was some kind of trick. He’d never seen a Neprijat do something so…human.

Then the Neprijat sighed.

Varan stiffened at the familiar body language.

“Our people aren’t meant to be this way,” he said with a shrug.

He bloodyshrugged.

“You’re not going to try and get away, or take your own life?” Varan asked, his fingers trailing along the hilts of his hidden knives.

“Why should I? Your people tied me up far too effectively. My only hope is that if I tell you what you wish to know, you will do me the honor of giving me a swift death once we have finished here.”

It was so…familiar.

Chills ran down Varan’s spine and his hands started to sweat. But he kept that twinge of fear from his face and his posture. “What is your name?”

He grinned. “Sozav.”

Such strange, brutal names. Varan wished he could speak their language. What could he learn about the Neprijat then?

“All right, Sozav,” Varan drawled, pulling out his favorite knife – the sharpest he owned. “I’ll make you a deal. Tell me everything I wish to know,truthfully, and I will give you the swift death you desire. I’ll even make it as painless as possible.”

He tilted the knife so it caught the light and glinted, showing Sozav how sharp it was. The edge so fine it was difficult to focus on with the naked eye.

“I swear on the dark god I will tell you everything you wish to know. Truthfully,” Sozav said.

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