Kings and Crowns: A Dystopian Thriller (Age of End Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

then, we’ll make do with what we have.”
    Ella opened her mouth to argue against him, but saw Rupert’s disapproving glare. Instead, she changed the subject. “What do you expect from the rally this morning?”
    Simon smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It’s important that we’re all on the same page. It will be fairly simple. I’ve made it easy for you. I will start off by addressing the people with a speech. At that point, Vince and Saul will come up on stage and wave. If you wish to speak, you may, but you don’t have to. My speech covers everything that needs saying. If you do choose to say something, make them words of inspiration. These people need all of the hope they can get.”
    “We prefer to stay silent,” Vince said. “At least for now.”
    “Very well. Your presence will be enough to set off the crowd. I’m sure of it. There are a few last minute things I must deal with. I will come back to get you when it’s time. In the meantime, relax. I’m sure you’ve all been through a lot.”
    He left the room, and Charles followed him out. Rupert held Fred up. “You hear that, girl? Relax. Let that wing heal.”
    She chirped in agreement.
    Alan leaned back, kicked his legs up, and folded his arms behind his head. “If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s relaxing. It sounds like Vince and Saul have all the work.”
    “You need to be vigilant as well,” Vince said. “Simon seems confident that people will accept us, but we have no idea how they’ll react. If something goes wrong, we need to be ready. The minute we lose our status as ‘The Heroes from Rodin,’ we become expendable. Simon will get rid of us. A man like him knows his goals, and if we challenge that in any way, he’ll cut us loose.”
    Ella nodded. “It’s clear, to him we’re just tools. Just like all the people that charge to their death for him.”
    “It’s true,” Rupert said. “He is a man with good intentions, but his judgment is clouded.” He glanced at Ella. “You need to keep those kinds of thoughts to yourself. At least for now. They could get us into trouble.”
    “Yes,” she responded. “I understand how fragile the situation is.”
    “It’s both fragile and crucial,” Vince said. “Let’s try to make it through this rally and see where it goes from there. If everything goes well, we’ll be in a very good position.”
    “You guys will do fine,” Alan said, still propped up on his bed. “You don’t even have to talk. Just wave and let Simon do his thing.”
    “Even so,” Vince said, “it’s good to expect the worst. Things always go wrong when you least expect it.”

NINE
    THEY FOLLOWED SIMON into the courtyard, behind the stage. They could hear the rumblings of a large crowd on the other side.
    Alan peered up at the tall buildings and open sky. “I thought the rally would be underground.”
    “No,” Simon said. “This event is out in the open. We don’t want to hide our heroes from Greene, we want to show them off.” The crowd began to chant Simon’s name. “I guess it’s time. Stay down here. I’ll call you up when the time is right. The rest of you stay put and enjoy the show.” When he climbed up on stage, the crowd broke out in wild cheers. He raised his arms up and accepted the roar of the crowd.
    Vince looked up at the giant monitors hanging from above, showing close-ups of Simon’s face as he walked around.
    “Their technology,” Ella said, gazing up in awe. “It’s amazing.”
    When the roar finally softened, Simon cleared his throat. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. It is a fine morning.” His voice was amplified from large boxes hanging above the stage. “I would like to begin with a moment of silence for those that we lost yesterday. Please join me as we commemorate their sacrifice.” He bowed his head. The people in the crowd did the same. “Thank you. Their loss was not without purpose. Thanks to their valiant efforts, we have broken through the