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

carried the Narkoy from Tambre Essal to Matrador. Directly above was the staff of Alkiria, the staff of the Chadon.

“Hum, well, what’s behind door number two,” he joked to himself while using the keycard to open the door to his left.

That office was slightly smaller than the first, still had the same four-story ceiling and skylight, and the furniture was almost identical. Above the door frame was carved to orbs with light shooting from them.

“This will work,” he decided, examining the desk. He took a seat, finding it rather comfortable for being nearly five-hundred years old. He tapped on the com station. The com panel slowly rose from the desk, causing a dust storm in its wake. Danstu waved away the dust and tapped the monitor on, fully expecting it wouldn’t turn on. It did.

He nervously tapped his finger on the monitor and then typed in a sequence of numbers on the screen. Moments later, a Quiel male’s face appeared on the screen. “You have reached the office of the Doreel. State your business.”

“Danstu Keriney to speak with Doreel Adrein. He knows me,” Danstu returned.

Moments later the screen blinked onto the dark-skinned face of another Quiel man. His cheeks were thick and covered with tiny yellow spots. His hair was thick and black, but graying at the temples.

“Danstu, it’s good to hear from you. I thought the rumors were incorrect about you leaving No-Nee. There was no way you were going to give up that much power.” The man spoke, although it sounded more like he was shouting.

“No, sir, the rumors were true. I did leave No-Nee’s service and I returned home for awhile. But now, I find circumstances have led me to employment with the Tasgool,” Danstu explained.

The man’s face grew taught. “Chadon Sortec? Is she still alive?” he asked.

“Sedom Sortec, her granddaughter has taken over command of the Tasgool army. I’m assisting her with staffing Gathow. Do you happen to have anyone you can spare to help us get up and running?” he asked.

“Her granddaughter is only what, ten?” he mentioned.

“She’s almost twelve and a formidable fighter and leader to add. She saved my city from a Marisheio attack,” he mentioned.

“Interesting. Is it true about your ships?” Adrein asked.

“What I’ve seen so far, yes. But Sortec is quite secretive about her arsenal,” Danstu admitted.

“We need an ally with strong ships. What type of positions are you looking to fill?” he asked.

“All,” Danstu replied without cracking a smile.

“Hum… what do you have to offer?” the man asked, stroking his chin while he thought.

“First, us uniting as allies. Second… well, what do you need that we may have?” Danstu returned.

Without cracking a smile, Adrein replied, “power cells and ration packs.”

Danstu took out his computer, Lolum thankfully provided him, and looked over their current supplies. “We have thirty-thousand units of power cells and twenty-two thousand units of food rations we could spare. What could that get us?”

“A lot,” Adrein hummed. “Send me over a list of the people you need and I’ll see what I can send you. And tell Sortec it’s good to have another ally on the field. I look forward to working with the Tasgool.”

Danstu nodded then ended the transmission. “Now to rescue our new recruits and choose ten men.”

***

Danstu met Zion and Rosanheer at the mouth of the tunnel. Both men were armed to the teeth and suited up for battle.

“You don’t play around,” Danstu mentioned as he approached.

Rosanheer readjusted his rifle on his shoulder. “When you work for Sortec, you tend to prepare for anything,” he mentioned.

“What the hell is all this?” Terman called as he climbed up the hill towards the tunnels and to the group.

“Terman these are my new friends, Zion and Rosanheer,” Danstu introduced. “I’ve been told you’re the best fighters in Gathow,” he mentioned.

“Try only,” Zion spoke up.

Terman took each of the men’s hands to shake. “Good to meet you,” he returned. He paused, noticing Rosanheer’s tattoos. “Jumping the code?”

“In a manner of speaking. More appropriately, I burned it. We ready?” Rosanheer said, motioning for the men to follow him into the tunnels.

Inside the tunnels, the men were immediately met by the snarling growls of the Hoviss. “Uh, I don’t think we fully thought this out,” Zion called over his shoulder back to the other three men.

Danstu stepped forward, shining a bright light at the animal. The Hoviss screeched and run away.

“Interesting,” Rosanheer mentioned.

Danstu strapped the device back on his belt. “You learn to be prepared,” he joked. He held up the light to show the two men. “Interesting little toy. I found it in my desk.”

In the forest, a thick mist floated over the closest moon. There was hardly any light to guide their journey. A soft breeze blew over them, bringing with it the distant smell of rotting flesh.

Rosanheer blinked, changing his eyes to orange so he can see in the dark. “That way. I think I see movement.”

Terman hummed anxiously. “I’ve met some odd fellows in my time,” he mentioned over to Danstu.

“I’m sure you’ll meet more,” Danstu returned.

“First time I wish Sortec was here,” Zion whispered over to the group as he peered up at the misty moon.

Terman’s almond shaped eyes glistened with fright as he peered around the forest. “My concern is the Harp finding us. She hasn’t been heard from in a while and I’d rather not be her next victim,” he admitted.

Zion chuckled to himself. “I doubt that will be an issue. She’s busy with other matters these days.”

“Who’s the Harp?” Danstu asked Rosanheer.

“Those in the local cities and villages claim she’s a ghost who guards the forest against intruders,” Rosanheer explained. “Rumors have it, she’s killed hundreds.”

“And we’re not concerned, why?” Danstu asked.

“Because she’s our boss,” Zion