Bastial Steel Read Online Free PDF Page B

his feet still gasping for life. There was no use for him to be in pain, and his agony was only making the situation more traumatizing.
    Everyone turned, Jessend taking the longest to do so. Then Cleve drove the man’s own sword down through his forehead, sliding it out and flipping him over when he was done so the others wouldn’t have to see.
    The door finally cracked open. Four guards ran in, followed by more, and then some more. They circled around Cleve.
    He dropped the sword to show his hands, the sign of giving in to their authority…at least in Kyrro.
    “He’s not the enemy,” Danvell Takary said. His voice had none of the same urgency or mandate that Cleve had heard earlier. It was strained, as if his throat had been tightened by the incident. “They are.” Danvell pointed to the fallen bodies.
    The man who’d attacked the King of Zav was dead in a puddle of his own blood, a long wound through his stomach. Cleve was surprised to see how deep it was. He didn’t realize he’d driven the dagger across the man’s stomach so violently.
    Cleve figured the other one wasn’t dead, the one he’d slammed into the wall. He was certainly still unconscious, though.
    “He should live.” Cleve pointed.
    “Why did they try to kill you?” Danvell asked the King of Zav.
    “I’m wondering that myself.” He had his arms around Harwin, kneeling down to hold the boy’s head against his chest.
    “They must’ve been spies,” Danvell said.
    “No, I’ve known them for years,” the King of Zav argued. “Your guard must’ve been a spy.”
    “He certainly was, but your men were also.” Danvell’s voice was humbly quiet. “You must see that by now?”
    “It can’t be possible!” The King of Zav was in disbelief, Harwin weeping loudly against him. “There must be something that would explain their actions besides that.”
    Cleve caught Jessend’s attention with a glance. “We should bring Rek in here to question the one who’s still alive,” he said.
    Meanwhile, Lisanda was holding onto her father, crying. He had his arm around her shoulder, guiding her to the guards nearby. “Please make sure she gets whatever she needs, and take her to her room. Lisanda, I’ll visit as soon as I can.”
    Lisanda kept her eyes at her feet as she wept, reaching out blindly for someone to take her hands. Two guards came to either side of her and steered her out.
    “Father,” Jessend said, her tone the calmest of anyone’s. “Cleve is right. I brought a psychic who can get the truth out of the last survivor. He’s with Micah Vail right now.”
    Fear struck Danvell’s face. “You brought a psychic into my palace?”
    “He’s a close friend of Cleve’s…an ally,” Jessend argued. “He can help us.”
    “If you wouldn’t mind,” the King of Zav stood, “I also would like the psychic to question him.” He looked to Cleve. “It is true they can tell whether a man is lying?”
    “Yes,” Cleve answered.
    “But what else will he do?” Danvell asked worriedly. “What will he do to the rest of our minds?”
    “Nothing,” Cleve said as calmly as possible. “He can't—”
    “I want to go home!” Harwin blurted, sobbing.
    “Is there a secure place Harwin can wait?” the King of Zav asked.
    “I apologize for not offering sooner,” Danvell answered. “A team of guards will watch over him.”
    He gestured at the men in the room. One nodded and came forward. He knelt in front of Harwin.
    “Come with us. We’ll keep you safe, and your father will be with you soon.” The guard’s sweet tone made it clear that Harwin wasn’t the first child he’d spoken to.
    The boy reluctantly left his father behind, whimpering as half of the guards from the room followed them.
    Danvell approached Cleve, his hand extended with a sad smile. “I don’t know who you are, but let me offer you the warmest welcome to the Takary Palace.” Suddenly his mouth went flat. “But are you certain this psychic friend of yours