Page 90 of Sword of Rage
Ackley crouched near the man’s feet, trying to decide if he should slice the soldier’s leg open and be direct, or start out kinder and work his way up. “Did the false king threaten your family members, too?”
The man’s brows drew together. “How’d you know about that?”
A wicked gleam flashed in Ackley’s eyes as he smiled. “The false king isn’t the only one with someone on the inside.” Taking one of his daggers, he dangled it between his fingers, drawing the man’s attention to the weapon. “Were additional soldiers sent out on missions?”
Sweat covered the man’s face, and his breathing came out hard and fast. “Yes.”
Panic took root, but he shoved it away. Panic would not help him right now. “How many groups?” He pressed the tip into the man’s thigh.
“One other unit went out.”
Ackley slid the dagger into the man’s leg. “Who did they go after?” Owen and Idina? Or Ledger and Harley? Not that either was acceptable to him.
“Are you going to kill me?”
He pressed the dagger in harder. “I will if you don’t answer me.”
The man pinched his eyes together, his breathing labored.
“They went after another group. A woman and several men, I think.”
“And their mission is to kill them?”
He nodded.
Ackley removed the dagger, letting it dangle between his fingers again. “Who’s sitting on the throne?”
“A Melenia soldier, but I don’t know his name.”
“Who gave you the order for this mission?”
“Lieutenant Flan. He said this was a mission for the king.”
This man was just a foot soldier, lacking valuable information. Ackley didn’t want to kill him since he wasn’t the enemy and he’d done nothing wrong. However, since the man had been sent to kill him, he couldn’t let him live. At least Ackley could make it a quick death.
“Do you know where the king is holding your family members?”
“No.”
Ackley leaned closer to him, then quick as lightning, rammed his dagger into the man’s neck. Unable to watch the life drain from him, Ackley sheathed his weapon and walked away. He tried not to gag at the heady smell of blood.
Harley
Sitting on her bedroll, Harley picked at her bread, not really hungry. She’d spent the entire afternoon riding her horse, all the while thinking about Ackley. Not once did she question his trustworthiness. He’d proven himself time and time again. Last night still consumed her thoughts. The way his lips felt on hers, how his hands explored her body, and the way he made her feel. She sighed, wishing he were here with her right now.
“Do you mind if I sleep for a couple hours?” Ledger asked.
“No,” she answered. “Go right ahead.” After all, he’d been on watch half of last night while she’d been asleep.
“Wake me when you’re tired.”
She nodded.
He stretched out on his bedroll, facing away from her. He’d been curt and distant all afternoon, but she didn’t mind. It afforded her some much needed alone time.
As she stared into the fire, she remembered the letters Ackley had given her. Once Ledger’s breathing evened out, she withdrew them, curious. She traced the words on the top piece of paper. The handwriting wasn’t familiar. Ackley had entrusted her to deliver these to Owen. He hadn’t said she couldn’t read them.
She untied the string holding them together. Unfolding the first letter, she discovered it was from Commander Beck. It talked about the need for change. He said that too many of the cities were starting to see uprisings. He informed Lyle that the villages were revolting, and the military was being sent in to regain control. Commander Beck wished the king would allow more representation among the people.
