Bastial Steel Read Online Free PDF Page A

but let him be. He would never blame a child for his curiosity. More than anything, Cleve wondered why a child would be present during the meeting. The whole situation was confusing him the more he thought about it.
    “You’re telling me you honestly believe your former allies might attack you?” Danvell let his skepticism come out in his tone.
    “Make the treaty with us an alliance instead,” the King of Zav dared him. “If we’re attacked, your army will defend Zav as if it were your own land, and we’ll do the same for you. Now, if I’m requesting this, why would I lie?”
    The little boy tugged on the King of Zav’s hand as he whimpered, “Father…”
    “Not now, Harwin. We’ll be done soon.”
    “We’ve received information that proves Waywen and Presoren are preparing for an attack as well,” Danvell said, coming around the table to stand before the King of Zav. “I would be happy to agree to an alliance with you.” He extended his hand.
    Both rulers smiled as they shook and then bowed.
    Cleve noticed Jessend and Lisanda whispering to each other. He couldn’t hear their words, but their tones were filled with excitement.
    “This is a pleasant surprise,” Danvell stated. Then he lowered his head solemnly. “I apologize for the incident with Harwin. After we get the contracts in order for the alliance, I would like to offer you a gift of ten Bastial steel swords.”
    A shocked smile came across the King of Zav’s face. “I would be happy to accept your—”
    “What does he mean, Father?” Harwin interrupted. “What incident with me?”
    Just then, another man entered the room. With investigative eyes darting around, he cautiously walked toward the King of Zav. He seemed concerned when he saw Cleve and the Takary sisters in the corner, as if he thought they weren’t supposed to be there.
    Then Cleve noticed stiffness in the man’s right leg. Terren, his uncle, had trained him to notice when a man concealed a knife at his ankle.
    Why would he bring a weapon in here? Cleve figured it was unwise to hold his tongue.
    “Who is he?” Cleve blurted, pointing, even starting toward the man.
    The King of Zav folded his arms, a scowl forming. “He’s my other trusted adviser and a good friend. Who are you?”
    “Ignore him.” Danvell grabbed Cleve’s shoulder, whispering, “Don’t interrupt.”
    “That man has a knife hidden at his ankle,” Cleve quickly whispered back.
    “Are you certain?” Danvell asked, all sense of anger suddenly gone.
    The King of Zav came toward them. Sensing the change in Danvell’s expression, he no longer seemed annoyed. “Is there a problem?”
    With practiced quickness, the man with the knife bent down. He popped back up with two knives, handing one to the other man who was no longer staring at the table. Life was in his eyes, each of their faces hard with aggression.
    One leapt at the King of Zav, while the other started toward Harwin. The little boy screamed, running along the wall to escape his pursuer. Cleve jumped over the table and slammed into the man chasing the poor child, squashing him between his shoulder and the wall.
    The knife dropped, the man falling as well. Cleve bent to pick it up, ready to drive it into the attacker’s chest, only then noticing the blood on the man’s temple. He was knocked unconscious.
    Cleve heard Danvell shouting for guards as he spun around to check on the other man with a knife. He and the King of Zav were in the middle of a struggle. Jessend was on her feet, cautiously approaching with her arms up defensively.
    Is she insane? The little princess would be trampled by the men fighting, likely to take the knife in her chest if she got in the middle of it.
    Cleve found his opportunity when the struggle slowed as each man had hold of the knife, the King trying to prevent his attacker from driving it into his stomach.
    “Why?” the ruler of Zav screamed. “Why?”
    “You and Harwin need to die!” the man yelled back,