War (The True Reign Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

don’t even understand yet.” If Darmik failed to save Rema, he would be dooming his companions to death. He wished they had stayed behind.
    “ Tell me about the emperor, so I have an idea of what we’ll face.”
    “ There are no words to describe him.” Darmik closed his eyes, trying to banish the memories. “I will say this—he always knows his enemy. He figures out what they want most, love most, and uses it against them.”
    “ But he’s your uncle, right? That has to help.”
    Unfortunately, that strained relationship was their only hope of saving Rema right now.
    “ Go below deck. See what’s on the bottom level. That will give you a small glimpse of what we’re about to walk into.”
    Savenek ’s eyebrows bent inward. “Below deck?” Darmik nodded. Savenek shrugged his shoulders and left.
    Darmik stared out at the great ocean before him. He never thought he ’d return to Emperion—the war-driven, land-hungry, empire.
    Unwanted images flashed through his mind—standing before his entire military class, naked, being whipped—being submerged underwater, held down, unable to breathe—having to take the new cadets, only ten years old, and beat them with a stick for crying out in the middle of the night because they missed their parents—and a completely lethal, obedient army that carried out any and all orders the emperor gave, without question.
    What was this savage empire going to do to Rema? Simply execute her? Or would the emperor destroy her? Darmik’s uncle held little regard for family. He never showed any kindness toward him when he was there for his training.
    “ I figured you were up here making yourself go mad,” Neco said, patting Darmik on his back.
    Darmik rubbed his face. This was probably what Captain wanted—to torture him.
    “ You need to get inside,” Neco said. “Let’s focus on a plan.” Darmik nodded, unable to speak. “Savenek’s in there making a fuss,” he continued. “Let’s go put that pup in his place, yeah?”
    Darmik looked at his friend.
    “ Don’t even say it,” Neco said. “We all chose to be here. You’re not responsible for us. All we ask is that you lead us.”
    Darmik would never make an effective leader if he didn ’t pull himself together. Rema needed him. He had to be strong for her. “All right. Let’s go devise a plan to get Rema back.”
    The two friends ducked and stepped through the archway. As Darmik descended the ladder, he heard Savenek yelling. Maybe it hadn’t been the best idea to send him down to see the area where prisoners were kept, but Darmik wanted him to have a clear picture of what they were going to face.
    He followed Neco into the room at the end of the hallway. Audek, Vesha, and Ellie all sat at the table while Savenek walked around, waving his arms, ranting on about something regarding Rema.
    The room fell silent , and all eyes went to Darmik.
    “ Your uncle is one sick and twisted person,” Savenek sneered. “I hope you don’t take after him.”
    Darmik stood there, staring at him.
    “Well?” Savenek said. “Tell us your plan.”
    Darmik was fed up with him. He wanted Savenek on his side, and he needed his trust and loyalty. Right now, he had neither. He clenched his hands into fists.
    Neco shook his head. “Not in here, Darmik,” he said. “Please go to the top deck were there’s more room.”
    “ I’m afraid I’ll throw him overboard,” Darmik said, seething with irritation.
    “ So?” Neco chuckled.
    “ What’s going on?” Vesha asked.
    Darmik pointed at Savenek. “You, top deck. Now.”
    Savenek jerked back . “Why?”
    T his was exactly why Darmik needed to do this. He turned and left the room, knowing Neco would tell Savenek he was being challenged. It was something Darmik did with the men from his army—if they wanted to move up in rank, they had to fight Darmik to prove their skills. The exercise established understanding and respect among his men.
    Out in the open air, Darmik swung his