Page 23 of A Simple Truth

A single blink and her body was gone, now mixed with ashes and fire, her soul set free to wander.

“You are lucky Lachlan isn’t here to see that,” Orest snapped as he walked into the burning building, looking for me.

I ignored the blatant accusation, fully aware of the claim he was making.

“It isn’t cheating if you aren’t caught.” I nonchalantly shrugged, stepping aside as the larger ceiling beams above me collapsed to the floor.

“There is a group of men barricaded in the tavern, ready for you,” Orest stated.

“You lured them in? For me?” My brows rose with a bit of amusement. “I'm truly touched, Orest,” I teased, earning an eye roll from him as we walked down the few steps out of the scorching building.

“Yeah, yeah, I don’t like your imprudent bet, but I’d be damned to let that asswipe of a man win,” Orest said, as he raised his shield just enough to let the arrow directed at me hit it at full force.

“Orest, you are a very good Second, you know that?” I tenderly smiled at him.

“Don’t get all sentimental on me now, you still have some heads to chop, so go on,” he huffed. But I didn’t fail to notice the hidden smile on his face.

“Lead the way, then,” I replied, letting my own lips stretch into a wide smile.

I walked into the dusty building as a large group of angry men stood there, lost and confused, their minds coming out of the slippery fog. Their callused hands gripped tight to pitchforks, swords, axes, or whatever else they found in haste.

“Let’s get this over with, shall we?” I took a large breath of heavy air, twisting the metal in my hands as the blades swiftly moved through their necks.

Row after row of beheaded figures dropped to the ground, their bright blood flooding the wooden planks of the worn-out floor.

The shimmer of dawn flickered between the smoky clouds as the ashes finally settled amidst the burned bodies. The previously loud screaming and chaos now turned into a deadly calm.

“Any survivors?” I asked, holding my bloodied helm in my hand as Broderick came back to report.

“No sir, the soldiers around the town had caught a few attempting to flee, but none survived otherwise.”

“Good. Our job is done here, then. Rally up the troops, we are heading out,” I commanded him as he nodded, already departing.

“You son of a bitch!” Lachlan’s loud voice sounded nearby. “One hundred and fifty-two heads?!”

“Technically, it’s one hundred and sixty-seven heads, but after the hundred and fiftieth, I got sick of bringing them to the fountain, especially knowing that you barely crossed the one hundred mark.” The blood rubies on my back glimmered in the morning light as I gave him a smug look. “I tried giving you a fighting chance and all, Lachlan. But I guess some things just never change.” I arrogantly shrugged, aware of my undeniablevictory. “It was fine wine, right?” The corner of my lip tugged upward. “My soldiers take a few barrels each. And I expect full payment.”

“You prick, you’ll get your payment,” Lachlan tensely squawked as he angrily marched away from us, clearly unhappy about the results—a look my Second very much enjoyed, as he stood there quietly by my side with his hands clasped behind his back.

I ran my hand across my chin to wipe off the now-dry splashes of blood, desperately craving a hot bath, though aware that no amount of boiling water or soap would wash away the stains from my tainted soul.

16

GIDEON

Orest swirled the water in his goblet, his lip curling bitterly as he took another sip—the only sign of his ever-growing enragement, one that I fully shared.

The terrified performers jumped and hopped to avoid the small streaks of fire the half-drunk Destroyer generals sent their way. Their loud squeals and stifled screams mixed with the generals’ loud, obnoxious laughter jabbed at my ears. The few remaining musicians played eagerly, filling the large hall with noise.

My eyes vigilantly followed Andrias and Servos, along with their Seconds as they fully delved in the entertainment. They were so oblivious to the deadly Destroyer sitting just across from them, planning their demise, as they lounged and filled their bellies to the brim. The whispers of the rebel town burned to ashes were already settling in people’s minds. Just a week ago, a lively town, now turned into nothing but a crossed-out name on the map.

“What? Not participating in the festivities?” Lachlan approached us, taking a seat next to me.

“What is it that you need, Lachlan?” I asked, fully aware that unlike the rest of the generals, he was indeed sober, waiting for this precise moment. He lounged back on the chair, our eyes observing the chaos erupting at the end of the room as fire sent by Andrias landed on the large bass, quickly devouring the instrument.

Prick.

“War is coming, Gideon.” Lachlan’s voice became more somber as his eyes turned to me. But I ignored his piercing look while watching the other two generals. “And I don’t plan on losing.” He ran his fingers through his slick, greasy hair, pausing long enough that I quietly added,

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