Death Drop Read Online Free PDF Page A

vision. “But how will you convince King Helekoth, without a doubt, that you’re not somehow to blame for the failure of the surprise attack and the loss of his Mewlatai servant, huh?” Krex had lost the firm backbone that allowed him to challenge his counterpart just moments ago and was now sniveling for Slaag’s approval.
    “Because I have no doubt in my mind. Your suspicions, however, are another problem.”
    Krex’s face deformed in a painful grimace. Throughout his tirade, Slaag had crept ever closer to the copilot chair where Krex was seated.
    Blangaris heard the razor sharp edge of his Kaiten sword sliding along flesh, and he smelled the greenish-black blood that poured from Krex’s stomach and back, coating the sword in a slick, foul-smelling elixir.
    Krex lurched in the chair in choking spasms as blood filled his airway.
    “Trust me, Krex,” Slaag said, grunting as he pushed the blade further in, “I’ve saved you a lifetime of embarrassment and servitude while assuring my usefulness to the King. When my abilities reach the next level, I’ll be anointed a General in The Order.”
    Blangaris was all too familiar with the song of his blade that rang in the cockpit as Slaag removed the sword from Krex’s body. The high-pitched hum was followed closely by the sound of warm blood as it streamed from the gleaming metal and splattered across the floor and onto the control console.
    Krex’s body slumped in the copilot chair as he gave out his last gurgling breath.
    Blangaris was impressed. If he didn’t hear the Kaiten being unsheathed in the raucous argument, Krex never stood a chance. Slaag had executed his fellow Durax with stealth and without hesitation, but now it was his turn to close his eyes for eternity.
    Blangaris slunk backwards to the cargo hatch. As soon as it was in reach, he depressed the control sensor with his tail. The portal opened with a rush of air as the Mewlatai warrior sprang across the span of the deck and silently melted into the shadows beside the cockpit entrance.
    The instrument panel at the helm added one more blinking light to its ensemble as the cargo hold door indicator flashed to life with a beep. In his surprise, a startled Slaag sent the Kaiten sword crashing to the ground, and he turned all of his powers to the task of searching for another presence on board. His mind raced as he scoured the hidden darkness of the interior. He detected nothing. The seeming emptiness kept its secrets hidden to the Durax soldier, and he let a small wheeze of relief creep past his cruel mouth.
    Slaag reached out and flipped the switch to close the cargo door, but the light continued to flash in time with a low beep indicating the barrier was still open. He tried again with the same result. Slaag craned his neck around and peered down the long, dark space that led to the back of the freighter. He could see the faint glow of the poison inside its canisters, and an uncontrollable fear shook his body as he thought of a gruesome death by exposure to the liquid. He knew it was not safe to pilot the ship while the hatch was open.
    Slaag stepped through the threshold leading from the cockpit to the deck and moved toward the rear of the craft. A sinister growl erupted from the shadows beside him, and Slaag pulled the gun that hung from his belt, but he was too late.
    A powerful force ripped Slaag from where he stood, and he landed against the hull of the ship with a fragile whimper. He was pinned to the wall in three places. His right arm lay outstretched and restrained at the forearm; his left arm, still grasping his gun, felt as if it had a thick, muscular cord wrapped around its length; and he choked for precious breaths as the grip on his throat tightened. His mind screamed with fear and the impossibility of the situation as his assailant’s growl echoed through the Zebulon, and he struggled to identify his attacker. Then he saw them; two orange fires that erupted from the shadows just inches from