Galaxy of Titans: An Epic Space Opera Series (The Augmented Book 3)
Page 44
Three more of the Kildor survivors were dead on the floor, and a fourth was telling their story before an idea presented itself. He tapped twice before they finished, the ion bolt taking the victim by surprise as Dralik turned and swept to the entire group.
“I’ve heard enough. Kill everyone but Thekton.”
“Wait!” one shouted.
“Please!” said another.
The ion bolts burned them all. They were tossed to the floor, broken and lifeless. Thekton alone remained, his features unchanged. Dralik idly wondered if he cared if he lived or died. He regarded the dakorian for a long time, then shrugged.
“Strip him of rank and toss him to the streets.”
Thekton’s features darkened further. “I’m a Bloodwall captain of a fleet vessel, yet you would discard me like trash?”
“If you let a human do so much damage, you are no use to me.”
Dralik waved in dismissal, and the honor guard shoved him to his knees. They cut his horns and used a special acid lance to burn the stubs, permanently removing his rank. He roared as the acid melted the remains of his pride. Then he was dragged from the room.
“I’ll find her and rip her flesh from her bones!” Thekton bellowed. “I’ll rip her arms off and beat her with her own bones!”
Dralik chuckled at his threats, and almost reconsidered his decision to exile the powerful dakorian. Thekton’s hunger for vengeance would make him strong, but it would also make him dangerous. No. Better to let him loose and permit him to hunt Bright’Lor on his own.
“Captain?” he called.
The head of his honor guard approached. “Imperial Majesty?”
“Bring me Darrow.”
“As you order.”
The dakorian left, and Dralik returned to his throne. As the bodies of Malikin’s crew were removed, he smiled to himself, pleased at the idea. For Reklin he’d sent a dakorian, and for the Bright’Lor sons he’d sent a krey. Both had failed to destroy House Bright’Lor. Ero and Skorn would now be wary, so another tactic of such means would be unlikely to succeed. He needed a new line of attack, and Darrow was the perfect weapon.
Several minutes later a human entered the Grand Approach. Unlike most humans, this one walked tall and measured, his eyes bright with intelligence. His skin was smooth, his hair thick and lustrous, with no hint of aging. Technically Darrow wasn’t supposed to exist, and yet the human had proven to be invaluable. With over four thousand assassinations, he was as lethal as any assassin for a simple reason. He was a human Bloodblade.
“Imperial Majesty,” he intoned with a bow.
“I have a new target for you.”
His smile was anticipatory. “Please tell me it is more formidable than the last one.”
The Emperor nodded. “Two krey brothers, Ero and Skorn Bright’Lor, and their father, Dragorn.”
Darrow sniffed. “Easy prey.”
“These have proven annoyingly defiant,” Dralik said, an unbidden sneer twisting his features.
“Then I will be glad to present you with their heads,” the assassin said.
As he turned away, Dralik raised a finger. “One more.”
“Another target?” Darrow asked hopefully, and the smile on the dakorian’s face elicited another shudder in the Emperor.
“A human,” Dralik said. “An augmented human.”
Darrow actually seemed to salivate at the prospect. “How very delightful.”
“Don’t underestimate her,” Dralik warned. “This one has killed dakorians and defied Bloodwalls. It’s even possible she destroyed a starship. Tread carefully.”
“I’m going to enjoy this hunt,” Darrow said.
Dralik motioned him to depart and he bowed his head.
“As you order, Imperial Majesty.”
As the assassin’s footsteps faded, Dralik settled back on his throne with a smile. Darrow was a ghost that haunted the Empire and eliminated the Emperor’s foes. Dispatching him was like firing a starship’s grogan lance at an insect. It should be an absurd overkill, and yet a sliver of doubt threaded into his thoughts. How many times had Ero and Skorn escaped his attempts to squash them? How many times had they retained their House? Was the augmented girl the reason they were so defiant? Could a human be so dangerous?
Dralik discarded the doubts with an annoyed flick of his hand. No. Darrow did not fail. And no krey, dakorian, or augment would survive the dangerous Bloodblade. The Emperor brushed his fingers across the crystal armrest. His throne would never be taken. And his reign would be eternal.
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ALSO IN SERIES:
EMPIRE OF ASHES
RISE OF RENEGADES
GALAXY OF TITANS
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ABOUT BEN HALE
Originally from Utah, Ben grew up with a passion for learning. At an early age he was often caught reading by flashlight after bedtime. In his youth he played various sports, became an Eagle Scout, and taught himself to play the piano. In 2001 he did two years of volunteer work in Brazil and now speaks three languages. After completing a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, he started and ran several successful business ventures that gave him time to work on his numerous writing projects. His interests are eclectic and include, but are not limited to: sports, board games, tree houses, reading, camping, rock climbing, video games, movies, and snowboarding. His greatest support and inspiration comes from his wonderful wife and six beautiful children. Currently he resides in Missouri after completing his Masters in Professional Writing.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about the upcoming sequels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow the author on twitter @ BenHale8 or Facebook.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about upcoming novels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow Ben on twitter @ BenHale8 or on Facebook.
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