Death and Honor: Book 1 of 2 Read Online Free PDF Page A

a shadow.
    “Can we—” the twin on the right began.
    “Help you?” the twin on the left finished.
    Eric gave them a hard stare. The twin on the right flinched. “Sorry, we do that sometimes.”
    “Never mind, I’m investigating an increase in bandit activity and I was wondering if you had any caravans missing.”
    The left hand twin ran back into the warehouse, to check their records Eric assumed. A moment later the twin that remained cocked his head then nodded. “We have one caravan outstanding and it’s two days overdue. Given the state of the roads a brief delay is not something to be concerned about.”
    “You’re certain it left on time?”
    “Oh yes, a messenger bird is sent as soon as the caravan departs. We received the message on time and the caravan master expected no delays.”
    Eric nodded. “Very well, thank you for your help.”
    Eric left the warehouse and returned to headquarters. The caravan left on time but didn’t arrive. Either it was delayed on the road or someone attacked it. Either way he had enough to contact the master. Four hours had passed since the demon gave him his orders, it should be pleased with Eric’s speed at least.
    When he reached his office Eric locked the door and thought about blood and pain and death. He conjured one horrible image after another. Early in their relationship Eric had asked Slevas why he couldn’t contact the demon directly when he had news. The master had laughed and explained that a mere human lacked the ability to do magic of any sort. Eric had bristled at the contempt in Slevas’s voice but as he had no desire to die just then he’d forgone comment.
    It wasn’t long before he caught the master’s attention. You have news ?
    “Yes, master. The caravan left on schedule but it hasn’t arrived in the city yet. Either it’s been attacked or had a breakdown.”
    Of course it’s been attacked, fool . I sent the bandits that attacked it. The problem is the bandits didn’t bring me the item I desired .
    So much for the master being pleased with the speed at which he acquired his information. “Perhaps if I knew what was happening I could be of better service, master.”
    The demon’s displeasure sent a shiver up Eric’s back. Had he overstepped?
    Very well, Knight Commander . Slevas emphasized his title to remind Eric who had arranged his elevation. One of my agents located an item my master has sought for over a century. Before the item reached me it was stolen. The thief had the item shipped to the city in the missing caravan. I arranged for the attack and recovery of the item, but I still haven’t got it. Clear ?
    “Yes, master. That section of road is patrolled by Lord Knight Jeremiah Kane. If he learned of the attack he almost certainly is the cause of your bandits’ delay.”
    You know him ?
    “Yes, we served in the Watch together before he received his spurs. He’s dedicated to doing his duty. In all the years he served in the Watch I never knew him to take a bribe.”
    Very well, contact Kane and find out about the caravan and my mercenaries. I want to know as soon as you learn anything .
    Slevas severed the connection.
    The fastest way to reach Jeremiah was messenger bird. Given the master’s current mood the fastest way was the best way. Eric jotted down a quick note and rolled up the little strip of paper. Eric hadn’t thought about Jeremiah in years. They’d never been friends, to different, mirror images really. Jeremiah had gotten his knighthood by taking an arrow for the lord mayor; Eric got his by selling his honor to a demon. You couldn’t get much more opposite than that.

Chapter 3
    “ I ’m sorry , dear, I don’t recognize it,” Alexandra said after studying the strange markings on the scroll. Jeremiah had returned to the estate earlier that morning, prisoners in tow. The bandits languished in cells at the rear of the barracks. “If you’d like I can check the library, maybe I can find something. In fact it