Brigends (The Final War Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

unsettling exclamation came from Kroll.
    The assassin moved into the light. His coat parted, exposing the dagger-shaped ora tucked in his belt. The crystal was noticeably bigger than those of his compatriots and refracted light from Serov’s hologram as he walked around the chamber. Orock almost tripped on his own feet to avoid the demon.
    “He was killed earlier today while attempting an escape.” Kroll did not face anyone.
    Serov was livid. “What? He was in custody? Why was I not told of this?”
    “Because, I deemed it necessary.”
    The Russian turned to Malus. The elder allowed the encounter between the two men to play out.
    “Pavel is dead? Impossible. Have you confirmed this yourself?”
    Kroll stopped. “His body was lost in a dust storm. It will be recovered, eventually.”
    “Then he is alive. I demand the right to pursue —”
    Malus intervened. “No. You have been given your orders and you will see to their completion. Remember your place. Your precious Alliance would never have achieved so much without my guidance. I will not have your petty need to defeat a single man jeopardize my plans. Am I clear on this matter?”
    Serov quickly bowed his head. “As you command, your eminence.”
    “Do not disappoint me.”
    With a gesture, the transmission ceased.
    Kroll could taste bile on his tongue. “Why must we —“
    Malus raised a gentle hand to address Orock and also cut off his disciple. “Mr. President.”
    The human came when beckoned. “Yes, yes, sir?”
    “I wish to thank you for your service. You have been a valuable asset.”
    “Thank you, your eminence. If there’s anything else I can do for you, just ask.”
    “What I require from you now is to keep up appearances. Your countrymen must not be given reason to fear us.”
    “That will be easy. They don’t have a clue.” The statesman hesitated. “What about this fugitive? Is he really a problem? Do you think he’ll come here? Am I in danger?”
    “No, on every account. He is an anachronism of an old system. There is no place in our new world for his ilk. If he is alive, he will be eradicated. Have I said enough to quell your fears?”
    “Oh, yes, your eminence. You see, I was just fearful for you.”
    Orock’s selfless masquerade tickled Malus. “As always, your help is appreciated. Now, go. You have preparations to attend to before the inauguration.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Malus pointed in the direction of the lift. Several guards ushered the man from the chamber. Once they were out of sight, Kroll turned on his heels and paced.
    “Why must we rely on these cretins?” He wasn’t posing a question.
    Malus stared disappointedly at his disciple. “As always, you underestimate their usefulness. Your shortsightedness is a weakness... a trait common with humans.”
    Kroll turned away from his master.
    Isoles saw the injury to his ego. “Perhaps they are of more use to us than you.”
    Kroll palmed the hilt of the crystal dagger. “How dare you!”
    She recoiled. “Violence. Is that all you know? We strive to build a utopia of peace. What do you build, slayer?”
    “Speak to me again in such manner and I will —”
    “Stop!” the elder roared.
    The assassin knew well to yield to the consternation. Isoles smugly slithered to the side.
    “Why was I called here?”
    “I require answers. There has been a ripple in the Collective. Have you not sensed it?”
    Kroll displayed no deceit with his expression. “No, my eminence, I have not.”
    “Understandable. The source of this emanation faded rather quickly. I may have been mistaken.” He paused. “Why was I not aware of Emil Pavel’s imprisonment?”
    “It would have been premature to do so. I did not wish to inform you until I could thoroughly interrogate the man.”
    “How long have you been keeping this from me?”
    “Three years.”
    “Three years? During this time, what did you uncover?”
    “Nothing.”
    “Nothing? You could not extract one useful piece of