The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 by Elizabeth Price (find a book to read txt) 📕

Lolum watched as all the people filed by them. “What are we going to do with all of these people? We can't keep them here,” he spoke in a low, exacerbated growl.

“You are a stupid, reckless child!” Zion screamed. “What if something happened to you? You should have asked for my help. That’s why I’m here,” he yelled, pounding his finger into his own chest to show just how upset he was with her.

Sedom forced a group of people out of her way. “I never asked for your protection! You have no right to question my choices! I am Chadon and you will respect my decisions or you can leave,” she yelled back to Zion. She turned to Lolum, whose gaze was nervously on his own hands. “That goes for anyone here in Gathow, even you.” She brushed past them both, her adrenaline still pumping hard.

Rosanheer hurried beside her. “Chadon,” he called softly.

“I couldn't let them become slaves.” She turned to Rosanheer, looking him directly in his eyes.

“I know, Chadon. You did well tonight,” he complemented. He forced her to pause. “Take a breath,” he said soothing. Sedom nodded, taking in a deep breath. He took her hands, squeezing them. “Now, tell me what your orders are?”

She shook her head, unsure of what to do. “Take care of our guests. I need some air.”

“Get some air. We’ll handle things,” he offered.

Sedom turned back to Lolum then calmly walked back to him. “They're Crehail, what do they know about Gathow? For now, they are our guests. See that they’re taken care of.” She waited for rebuttal, which neither Lolum nor Zion could produce.

She continued to the surface and to her lookout, curious of the condition of the city. When she reached the tree post, all she could see was the smoke from the city. There was no more city, no more threat of the Crehail finding her, she had found them. Had she done the right thing by bringing the Crehail to Gathow? Wasn't that the very thing she wanted to avoid?

Sedom rubbed her tired eyes, her brain unable to make sense of her own actions. She remained watching out towards the city until both moons were solid in the sky. Behind her, creaking up the steps to the platform, she could hear the sound of heavy boots. Sedom pulled her pistol from her belt, but still made it seem that she had not noticed the intrusion.

The gray head of the man that joined her on the mound appeared. Seeing her pistol, he raised his hands, but his demeanor remained calm.

“I am Nokinil, the city of Crowarl's leader,” he introduced.

Sedom slipped her pistol back into her belt and motioned for the orbs that hovered above her to stand down. She slowly turned back to the city. Nokinil lowered his hands as he watched the orbs move aside. He joined Sedom by the edge, his long cape blowing in the draft of the high trees. His eyes widened, then filled with tears as he watched his city burn.

“Why us?” He cried a stern man's tears.

Sedom hesitated to speak, how much should she say? “There was talk of a new base. Your city was an ideal location; hidden yet still accessible,” Sedom spoke hushed.

Nokinil looked to Sedom shocked by her appearance and youth. “How did you... you're so young? Back in the city, I thought you were much older.”

Sedom grimaced. “I'm sure you're not the only one,” she smirked. “Get some rest. There will be plenty to talk about in the morning.”

He showed no signs of relenting as he stood waiting for Sedom to turn to him. “I'd rather talk now if it's no different. This is the welfare of my people we need to discuss.” Nokinil insisted. “Our city is in ruin. I need to know―”

Sedom swung around, her eyes enraged. “I have done enough tonight. Don't ask any more of me until the morning,” she warned.

Nokinil backed away, frightened by her demeanor. “And I speak for the city when I say we are in your debt. Without your help, we would be facing enslavement… or worse. But understand our predicament now. We’ve been given safe haven for how long and what then?”

Sedom turned back to the forest, a deep rumbling from above made her grasp on to the railing. “Safe? Not quite. We're not out of danger yet.” She pointed to the distance as another ship descended over the forest and into the burning city. “They'll want to know what happened to the rest of you and then they will come looking. We'll need an army if we are to survive.”

“An army?” Nokinil laughed. “Forty-seven able-bodied men survived from my city. We have no army. It took a child to rescue us… that should be proof enough that we can’t defend ourselves.”

Sedom turned back to him, the moon's light gleaming in her eyes. “We must find a way,” she turned away from him to look back at the city, but not tonight. It has been a long day for us all.”

The man nodded, understanding. He waited a moment, then hesitated to speak, “Chadon, you do know you’re bleeding?” he mentioned, motioning to her arm.

Sedom glanced down to her sleeve. Sure enough, she was bleeding. “Son of a--” she cursed in her native tongue. “Thank you. I’ll have my doctor look at it.” She nodded her thanks, but cursed herself under her breath.

The man left, allowing Sedom her time to think. What was she going to do with a group of people who could barely think for themselves? Nokinil was right, they couldn’t exactly defend themselves against an invading Marisheio force. She wasn’t sure how she did it herself only that she did and somehow during the battle, her arm was injured.

She felt over to her wound, the skin burnt and slightly flaky around