The Soul Eaters (The Thin Hex Line Book 1) by Gwyndolyn Russell (e reader txt) 📕

pulled me from Kiichtem's unit to send me on a classified mission. It was part of the test to become a Champion."

He grabbed her shoulders, leaning down to be face to face with her. "And? How did it go? Did you pass?"

Her head dropped. "No. My mission was to bring you back."

"I see...the Emperor has a terrible way of testing loyalty. Perhaps you can still succeed. All can be forgiven in the eyes of the Emperor."

"Absolutely not! They'll execute you! You're a traitor to Garchtun!"

"Only because they do not understand why I've left."

"Why did you leave, father?"

I watched Fenris approach the beast. He sniffed at its face. It returned the sniff before huffing at him.

"The same reason you are here now. I assume." He looked at me. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter. I feared I would never see her again, but...it was a fate I was willing to accept if it meant doing something right for the galaxy."

"Trust me, you can keep her." I waved him off.

"Have you been studying the eos?" She asked.

"Yes. They were unlike anything we have seen before. We were investigating a planet for resources when we were attacked by similar ones to what just attacked you. I was the only one to make it out alive. Our Emperor's advisors would not listen to me. I took matters into my own hands and discovered that these monsters are spread around the entire galaxy. Nothing survives their presence. I believe this issue is rooted deep within the cosmos. I've been trying to figure out where they come from in hope of destroying them once and for all."

"You've really just been...hunting down the eos?" Yaaranam questioned.

"I have. Why?" He paused. "Come, let's go where it's safer. You can tell me then." He climbed into the saddle. "Let's go home, Tunaaka."

The beast called out, raising its head and turning around. Fenris quickly ducked underneath its tail and snapped at it.

"Follow us!" He waved his hand.

"Roger!" I called. "Fenris, come on. Leave that damned thing alone."

We piled into the truck save for the valkyrie who walked right behind Vactubstein. He led us further into the valley, down into its deepest parts. We hugged the cliff down here for about a mile. He stopped in front of a small hole in the cliff face. Just barely big enough for him to fit through. He left Tunaaka outside and headed in. We followed. Fenris was none too comfortable, having to walk sideways for a while.

When it opened up, Fenris shook himself into a relaxed state. The space was small. Maybe two people could sleep comfortably. A wooden table, a pathetic excuse for a bed. A bag of supplies, and a makeshift lantern.

The table was covered in notebooks and loose paper. The largest of which was a hand drawn map of what must have been the entire continent.

"I have studied the eos for years. I followed them here to this planet. Unfortunately they attacked shortly after I landed. They devoured my entire ship." Vactubstein said, placing his helmet on the table.

"Why here? They're spreading across the galaxy at an alarming rate." I said.

"I heard them speak about an artifact."

Fenris perked up at the mention of it.

"I see. That's why you are here." He smiled at the valkyrie. "I do not know where it is. I do have an idea though." He waved the idea off. "First I want to know how you got here." He pointed at Yaaranam. Then turned to dig through his bag.

"I've...been on the run." She rubbed her elbow, unable to look at him. "The Emperor marked me a traitor since I refused to bring you back. I knew you weren't a traitor. You didn't kill your men like they claimed. Now he wants me executed, too...under the same pretense that I killed my unit."

"And this human saved you?"

"His captain offered me a place on the Syndicate. I help them with the eos, he helps me find you."

"You will have your chance to hold up your end of the deal." He smiled again. "Here, Kalroun, this should help jog your memory. It's an old file from our time together." He handed Nostra a small thumb drive.

Fenris leaned over the table towards Vactubstein. He leaned back with a startled look, then laughed.

"Slow down." He held up a hand. "I understand you are eager, friend. There is still time to spare. Hope is not yet lost. I don't know where the artifact is. All I know is it is here on this planet and I have reason to suspect it's here in the north."

"Wait. Wait." I waved a hand. "You can hear him talk?"

"Yes. I take it not everyone can? What you call eos speak by the heart, or the soul. If you open your heart, you, too, can hear them. They have a lot to say."

Yaaranam stared at him like a child meeting their hero for the very first time. She listened silently to every word, each one etching itself into her mind. I had never seen her so calm before.

"How do you do that? You always said using your heart was not the solution." Yaaranam said.

"I was taught that as well and I must say that it is wrong. I'm sorry I taught you that. I believe our hearts and souls matter more than we give them credit for. Being away from the influence of our Emperor has opened my eyes to a lot of facts that they never mention. We were taught wrong, Yaara."

"Father, that's heresy! You mustn't speak like that!"

"What more could they do? I am exiled under false pretenses and they wish for my head on a stake. They sent you, my own beloved daughter, holding your rank and position hostage, to bring me home to my death. There is something wrong in that. You were smart to leave."

She tried to speak, but he stopped her.

"We should cut to business. There are more important things to discuss." He looked to me and Fenris. "Here