Fireteam Delta by J. Halpin (ebook reader that looks like a book txt) 📕

tell that the guards at his side had poor, if any, training.

He cringed internally as he noticed one of the elves holding his finger over the trigger of his weapon, the barrel pointed at the ass of the man in front of him. Thankfully, the safety was still on.

From what he could tell, Rhodes was the only soldier in the city. At least, the only one from their world. There was a good chance that, as one man, he just didn’t have the time, energy, or maybe the talent to train people that had never seen a gun in their lives into something even resembling competency. And if his treatment here was anything like their experience with the caravan, nothing but divine perfection would do to keep his hold on the city.

The real problem came after Rhodes got what he wanted from them.

A tall elven man approached their group as they passed through the inner wall. He bowed deeply at the sight of Rhodes. Judging by his austere clothing, Summers assumed he was important. As the man lifted his head, Nisha began saying something.

“They’re talking about us. And . . . evacuating the towns.” Asle spoke low. Nisha was translating for Rhodes, but they were too far away to hear.

Maybe elven ears served a purpose, after all.

“Any idea who tall, pale, and important is?” Cortez glanced down to Asle.

“Ying, er . . . council member?” Asle looked up to Summers for confirmation. He nodded.

“So, this is one of the guys that runs the city, and he’s kissing Rhodes’s ass.” Cortez watched for a moment longer. “Great.”

Their conversation ended, and Rhodes gave a slight bow to the councilman as he left.

“You’ll be staying in the castle.” Rhodes explained. “You will be provided with clothes, food, and security. Nisha here will instruct you on your duties for the remainder of your stay in my city.”

Nowak held up a hand. “We haven’t agreed to anything yet.”

“I can respect that. Nisha will get you set up. You just have your answer ready in the morning.”

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Nisha led the group into a spacious room. Everything from the ceiling to the floors looked as though it belonged in a museum. But to Summers, it just looked gaudy.

The woman had briefed them during their walk to the castle. Apparently, this war of theirs had been going on for about seven years. Only recently had it gotten to the point of sieges, and only because of something that had happened to the nation’s border city.

Summers had assumed the city was sacked, but Nisha explained that a creature had been responsible. One creature.

She refused to elaborate.

“And the refugees?” Summers ventured. If what Beorn and Erne had said was true, men with guns had raided their town.

“We have evacuated several towns outside the city’s influence by boat.”

“Evacuated?” Cortez looked to the woman, incredulous. “From what we heard, it was a raid.”

“Unfortunately, our resources are thin, and many towns refused to help. It’s likely they would have been destroyed, regardless.”

“So, you just took it anyway?”

“We’ve helped them however we could. Those that wish to defend the city are given food, and a place for their families behind our walls.”

“What about the people that don’t join? Or can’t fight? What kind of half-assed plan is this?”

“If we were to let everyone into the city, we’d starve before the army ever breached our walls. We’re doing everything we can, and your guns will help ensure that as few die as possible . . .”

Summers didn’t like what was happening, but the fact the weapons were going to be used in defense of someone was at least better than the alternative.

After a moment, Nisha placed a hand on Asle’s shoulder. “Now, if there’s nothing else, we should be going.” She gave Asle a pointed look.

“Wait,” Logan spoke up. “You’re taking her?”

“We’ll ensure that she’s cared for deeper in the castle.” Nisha’s eyes showed no emotion.

“I’ll be okay.” Asle interrupted Logan before he could speak. “I promise.”

She looked up at Nisha impassively, then started walking.

“Please think over your decision carefully.” The woman only paid them a quick glance back.

Summers watched as she led Asle through a set of double doors and out of sight.

The threat wasn’t lost on any of them.

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Asle allowed herself to be led through the castle halls. Nisha walked beside her, glancing down every so often.

Eventually, they came to a large set of double doors, and Nisha gestured for Asle to enter. They walked deeper into the castle, servants bowing to Nisha as they passed.

“I’m afraid you won’t be allowed outside during our preparations.” Nisha bowed to Asle.

“And why is that?”

“For your own safety.”

“No, you’re a coward, and you’re using me as a hostage.” Asle watched as the woman tensed. So, she wasn’t completely heartless.

“You’ll be tending to Master Rhodes’s needs while he’s in the castle. Please do everything in your power to keep him comfortable.”

Asle said nothing.

As they walked, Asle passed a large window. Outside, the body of a large animal was hung up like a trophy. It was dark, tar black, with dozens of faces that stared out at her. No, they followed her. They weren’t moving, but she could tell, somehow.

Despite everything she’d been through, it was the most horrific sight Asle had ever seen, as if the creature itself had reached into her very being. She turned away, trying not to let her discomfort show.

She could only hope that it was dead.

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A few servants had led Summers and his group to a small common area. He’d managed to fumble his way through the conversation long enough to understand that they’d be living here. Just like the rest of the castle, both it and their new bedrooms were