Ghosts of the Erlyn (Catalyst Book 3) by C.J. Aaron (books like beach read .TXT) 📕

from the hall interrupted his casual investigation of the captain’s office and quarters. Ryl moved silently to the left corner of the room. From there his position would be blocked by shadow and the inswing of the door. He listened patiently as the steady cadence of a single pair of heavy boots on the wooden floor grew closer. The procession stopped as it reached the entrance to the captain’s office.

Ryl heard the muted jingle of keys and the click of the lock disengaging from its catch. With a quiet groan the door opened. The light from the hallway illuminated a fine diagonal line across the room. Le’Dral entered, continuing inward, closing the door behind him without affording it a look.

The captain paused as he reached the desk. His attention drawn to the open window from which Ryl had gained entrance. He cautiously moved forward, closing the panels, securing them with their ineffective latch. Le’Dral slammed the curtains shut as another cheer rose from the celebration outside. Ryl could see his shoulders slump now that the public weight of his position was hidden. He crossed to the desk with a slow, dejected walk. He removed his sword belt, hanging the weapon over the back of his chair.

Ryl stood silently studying one of the few men that had shown him unwarranted kindness in a world that had been bent on doling out nothing but pain. The captain had treated him, had treated all the tributes, with respect. He had the realization that he was watching what could possibly be the man’s last night. The captain was unaware that his death was coming. His life was forfeit.

And for what?

He had been found guilty of simple, human compassion. He had been judged by the corrupted, black hearts of the elixir-addicted nobles. Their compassionless sentence shed light on their true nature. Ryl felt a chill sweep through his body, raising goosebumps on his arms. In them was the birth of the new Horde. To an extent, the impenetrable walls of the Palisades had been built to keep the demons out of Damaris; yet within the Kingdom, abominations were given free reign.

Ryl felt the fire course through his veins. His blood boiled with anger. Le’Dral would be given a rightful choice in deciding his own fate. The unfiltered emotion flooded out of him with a force he hadn’t expected.

Hope.

Never lose hope.

The captain staggered back a step. Ryl inched silently forward, and sliding the hood back slightly on his head.

“There is no hope here,” Le'Dral cursed under his breath as he worked to undo the buttons on his uniform shirt.

The captain’s hands stopped abruptly; his head slowly lifted. Le’Dral’s eyes bulged as he finally marked the appearance of the shadowed figure standing before him. His face went white and his jaw fell open as the recognition struck him.

“Impossible,” he gasped.

Ryl grinned as he replied.

“What’s wrong, Captain?” Ryl asked softly. “You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

The normally stoic commander stumbled carelessly, falling backward into his chair. His unblinking eyes viewed Ryl with a mixture of shock and fear.

“What are you?” he stammered.

Ryl grinned at the question.

“I’ve been asked that more times than I care to remember,” he whispered. “For now, know that I am nothing but a messenger.”

The captain looked confused at the statement, yet at the same time infinitely curious. He regained his composure quickly, and his shoulders rolled back slightly. His face flushed with the natural color that had blanched when he had first noted Ryl's appearance.

“A messenger? What message do you herald from behind closed doors in the still of the night?” Le’Dral quizzed.

“The tidings for most will be different. For you, the message will be a warning,” Ryl responded.

He watched Captain Le’Dral tense at the charge. The man’s hand slid slowly down from his lap, likely seeking a weapon secreted below his desk.

“Fear not, captain, for you I hold no ill will,” Ryl said flooding him with a sensation of calm. “The same cannot be said for others within the city limits. From what I understand, your propensity for compassion when others seek nothing but hatred … has made you many enemies.”

The captain snorted out a half-laugh, half-cough.

“I’m the Captain of the Guard. I’ve had enemies since I took this post,” Le’Dral replied matter-of-factly with a hint of annoyance to his voice.

“That I’m sure, Le’Dral,” Ryl agreed. “Their patience has expired. They’re coming for you now. They won’t stop until they see you dead.”

Le’Dral leaned forward, resting his arms on the table in front of him.

“Who’s coming?” he asked curiously. “What do you base this knowledge on?”

“From those who were to do the killing,” Ryl replied bluntly. “They came for Cavlin.”

The captain jumped to his feet. The chair behind him tilted backward, balancing precariously for a moment before toppling to the ground.

"Tell me, is he dead?” the captain demanded. His hands balled into fists. His knuckles faded to white from the force as he squeezed them together.

“No—though it was close, he still lives,” Ryl stated. “He's in the company of a mender. He'll be delivered to you before dawn.”

The captain visibly relaxed at the statement. His eyes squinted slightly as he peered at Ryl.

“The killings last night in the East Ward. Were those you?” Le'Dral asked.

“All but one,” Ryl admitted. Le'Dral looked at him suspiciously.

“Whether you believe me or not, Cavlin will confirm the truth,” Ryl grumbled.

The captain shook his head in disbelief, his hands held out in front of him in a placating gesture.

“Forgive me, Ryl. Regardless of all else, your appearance alone is shocking,” Le'Dral admitted. “How is it that you are here? They took you. You died at sea.”

Ryl grinned, a devious smile spread across his face.

“The sea was merciful. Though that I'm afraid is a story for another time, perhaps,” Ryl answered cryptically.

Ryl took a step forward, moving out of the shadows further into the ring of light from the fading lantern. He leaned forward, placing his hands on the edge of Le'Dral's desk.

“Time is running out. Your