Army of the Goddess: A Bona Dea Novel (Stormflies Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

to which she already knew the answer. Narone practiced his craft with extreme fortitude.
    “Several teams are in the act for searching for the bus along the main road. Evidence suggests they disappeared among the foothills between Red Bridge and Undun, after the last scheduled rest stop that they are known to have reached. There are footprints in that area suggesting the entire fare disembarked at the roadside. However, the vehicle itself is nowhere to be found,” Narone reported. “We are tracking down and questioning anyone who traveled that road today, looking for information that may narrow down what happened and when.”
    “Very good. Keep me apprised of the situation.” Antonette watched Narone spin with a snap and exit her office. A moment later, she let her tense shoulders sag like limp noodles, and a deep breath escaped as a loud sigh.
    Ever since the Believers had been decimated by the Stormfly infestation a few months ago, the People's Council had been waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. The Stormflies promised they would return to damage the human race, at least according to the Protectress, her fiancé, and Commander Narone, the only three people witness to the Stormfly escape. The Protectress admitted that her memory and her mental faculties were damaged in her assault. Mr. Elgar, Lelle believed, would do anything in his power to protect and comfort his wife-to-be. Narone was the only one of the three Lelle trusted completely, so she took his words at face value. She didn't want to believe it would happen, yet here was the evidence. Twenty-five people missing without even a trace, innocent people who didn't suspect they would ever be in this kind of situation.
    She prayed they would be found alive and well and quickly, because explaining this to the public was going to be one of the most difficult tasks Antonette ever faced, and she'd only been Head-of-Council for four months.

Chapter 4 - Letters
    Sunsday, 17 th Unimont
    3 Farmstead Road
    North Compass, NL
     
    Quinn,
    I am writing to alert you that your brother Holton has gone missing. He was traveling north by bus from Range End to home and hasn't made it. He has the seeds I sent him for. Please send word if you've gotten wind of him in the last several days.
    Sincerely,
    Your Mother, Rosemary
    +++
    17 th Unimont
    14 Red Ridge Road
    Red Ridge, NL
    Quinn,
    I hope that you will heed my letter. Holton has never come home from his quarterly trip south to trade seed. We saw in the newssheets that a bus load of travelers went missing, and we think he was on that bus. Do you know anything? I know your mother wrote as well, and I know you won't write her back. I thought maybe you would write to me to let me know if there is a report or information on what's going on. Please, Quinn. If something has happened to Holton, I need to know. The children need to know.
    Sincerely,
    Canna
    +++
    Tinsday, 19 th Unimont
    300 People's Hall
    Undun City, EL
    Dear Canna,
    I apologize. I was unaware that Holton was traveling south so recently. There is no list of those traveling by bus—the bus register is missing with the vehicle—but the Safety Watch is notified of inquiries into missing persons and a list is being formulated.
    I hope that Holton is merely delayed somewhere and has neglected to send you a message. He has always been forgetful.
    I will let you know if I hear of him.
    Sincerely,
    Quinn
    +++
    19 th Uni
    4 Farmstead Road
    North Compass, NL
     
    Q,
    Mother is planning to make the trip to Undun in the next few weeks to look for Holton. At that time, we hope you will offer us hospitality and the opportunity to meet your betrothed.
    I hope that you will take a few minutes after reading this letter to consider your mother's feelings. Since you have chosen to ignore all family protocols in this matter, you have brought a great deal of embarrassment and shame to our family for having to explain the articles showing up daily in all the newssheets. I am