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

on this map I've marked areas I suspect the artifact may be hidden. I've also marked where I've seen the eos concentrate most of all. They seem to gather here frequently." He put his finger on a red circle on the northern coast.

Fenris stared down at the map.

"Do you know anything about the artifact?" I asked.

"Unfortunately, no. The eos have whispered about its strength and value. I know they have been making plans to stop you," he pointed at Fenris, "from getting a hold of it. Everything they have been doing this last month has been to stop you at all costs. Hounding you and luring you away from the northern region."

"I thought actions seemed...different." Fenris clicked his teeth. "It must be near. The strongest of them would guard artifact."

"You know, that is interesting." Nostradamus said. "When those...skaginvar were chasing us, they could have easily gotten us, but they didn't. They were herding us. Weren't they?"

"Are you saying they were using us to lure Fenris out? That must be why they attacked when they did and stayed with the truck."

"They knew Fenris protect you." The valkyrie nodded.

"They fucking used us."

"They are quite intelligent." Vactubstein stated. "You can sense the artifact, yes?"

Fenris nodded again.

"You could lead us there."

Fenris put a claw to the map where one of the red circles marked. I leaned in closer to see. It looked like a fjord on the northern coast.

"That's where they like to gather." he smiled and looked at me. "With the help of your pet eos and Tunaaka we should be able to handle a fight. Tell me you have weapons."

"Okay, first off, he's not an eos. He's a valkyrie. They are completely different."

"Valkyrie? He looks and acts like an eos, I assumed he was."

Fenris gave a grumble and shook his head.

"Valkyrie created to fight eos. Protect humanity."

"Created? I see…" he rubbed his chin. Pulling on the crimson hair of his beard.

"Jackal!" A voice called from out of the cave. "Jackal! Fenris!"

"Friends of yours?" Vactubstein looked at me.

"Looks like the cavalry's finally arrived!"

Our names were called again. I hurried out to the entrance, Fenris right behind me.

“Jackal!” Reaper ran up to me, grabbing me by the arms. “What happened? Are you hurt? Is everyone okay? Where’s Fenris?” He looked up over my shoulder to see Fenris stepping out of the cave. “Fenris! Oh, thank God. You two are all right. Where’s Nostra and Yaara?”

I coughed, holding up a hand to hopefully make him stop shaking me all over the place. The painkillers were finally kicking in, but it still hurt to breathe.

“They’re coming. You’ll never believe who else we found.”

Nostradamus was next out. Then Yaaranam.

Reaper visibly gave a sigh of relief, his shoulders dropping. I finally looked behind him. He brought every able bodied soldier. Mjolnir was sitting up in the lead vehicle, resting against the mounted, multi-railed weapon. Ten trucks in all excluding the one we had with us, each one filled to the brim with soldiers hanging off the backs and sides.

“Fucking hell, you brought an entire platoon.” I squeezed his shoulder.

“You said you were going for the artifact.” Reaper shrugged. “Not gonna let you guys go in alone.”

Fenris grumbled, lowering his head.

Reaper frowned and grabbed his elbow to reassure him. He must have just noticed the pin on his chest.

“They all volunteered.” He said softly. “Every single one of them is here to back you up.”

The lights in the cracks suddenly reversed. They flowed downward. Fenris pulled his cloak to cover up his body.

He never had help before. He was always sent into the lion’s den completely alone. Left for dead and never trusted to do anything, but kill.

I smiled at him.

“I told you, Fen. You’re family.”

“Captain,” Yaaranam smiled. “I want you to meet someone.”

“Who could that be?” He looked to where she gestured to see Vactubstein walking up, helmet tucked under his arm.

They both stopped in place and eyed one another.

After a few moments of silence, Vactubstein finally spoke up.

“Reaper?” He raised a brow.

“Dragonborn?” Reaper almost choked the name out.

The moment he said it, it clicked in my head. No wonder I felt weird about that guy. I didn’t even recognize his armor since it had been painted black. The horns on his helmet, the claws on his feet and hands.

“Whoa, wait. You two know each other?!” Yaaranam gasped.

“Fucking hell, this whole time...I didn’t even recognize you.” I crossed my arms.

“I see you became a Captain after the war?” Vactubstein smiled and stepped closer.

“And you’ve…” Reaper looked to Yaaranam. “Been exiled. Yaaranam is your daughter?”

“Yes, she told me a little about you. Never mentioned your name. Thank you for taking her under your wing.”

“I have to say it’s good to see you again. I’m glad it’s under more pleasant circumstances.”

“You two fought each other?” Yaaranam asked.

“Yes, pup.” Vactubstein smiled at her. “We met in the field and had a wondrous battle. You certainly bested me then.”

“Honestly thought you kicked my ass.”

“You definitely handed it to him. Think Spectre’s been the only other one to do that to him.” I chimed in.

“Spectre, another name I know. That was...Ah, that woman alpha hunter. Yes, she, too, was phenomenal. Is she here as well? What of your sidekick? Jackal was it?”

Reaper gestured to me and I raised my hand.

“Yeah, I was there to save his ass every time.”

“Spectre...isn’t here this time.” Reaper’s head lowered.

Vactubstein clapped his hands together. “The odds could not be better! I see you have brought your foot soldiers, too. How fortunate!”

“Yaara, why didn’t you tell me your father was the Dragonborn?”

“I...I didn’t think it’d be important. I didn’t exactly trust you at that time.”

“She was still a child when they filled her mind full of hate for humans. Please, I hope you can forgive her for any hardships she may have brought.” Vactubstein stated. “I know she is...quite unprofessional.”

“You’ll be happy to know she’s made herself a home on the Syndicate. We wouldn’t have gotten this far without her.”

“Great! Come, we should hurry before it gets dark. I