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

trial in an area he controls, it’s likely that you would be unarmed.” Synel watched him with a little more emotion in her eyes than he’d normally seen. “Powerful men often use this as a means to kill their subordinates.”

“So, you’re saying I’d be put against Rhodes bare-handed, while he has his pick of weapons?” Summers asked.

“Most likely.”

He blinked, only now fully understanding the kind of danger he was in.

Summers looked to the others, only just realizing that they had no idea what he was saying. In their time on the road, Summers had tried to teach some of the local language with Asle’s help, but it had been spotty at best.

“She says I’m fucked.”

Synel tilted her head at that.

“Sorry. I mean I don’t have a good chance.” Summers rubbed the back of his head. “Don’t suppose you’ve had any luck getting out of here?”

“Yes, actually.” Synel stood, pulling a small piece of paper from her pocket. “I’ve found a ship willing to take us south.”

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Asle walked alongside Logan and Nisha. While Synel was allowed free reign of the castle, she needed to return to her duties. Logan had insisted on escorting her back to “her” section of the castle. In truth, she was grateful. Once word of the trial had reached the servants, she’d begged Synel to pull some strings.

She’d lived long enough to see more than one trial like this—a chief or governor who chose to deal with an uppity soldier, or his daughter’s admirer. She knew what was coming, and what her place in all of this would be. Depending on how things went, it could well be the last time they’d see each other.

She had wanted to say goodbye, just in case.

“Is this still about honor?” Logan questioned, looking at Nisha. “Because I don’t see it.”

“I owe my life to him twice over,” Nisha replied.

“And that makes it okay to kill that man?” Logan glanced down to the girl at his side. “Asle, I’ve saved your life. Do you think I would ask you to do something like this?”

“No,” Asle answered truthfully.

“Do you think Summers would?”

“No,” she repeated.

“You know, I used to have a daughter.” Logan watched Nisha carefully. “I lost her about five years ago, and I’d do anything to get her back. I’d have given anything to the man who could do that for me, even give my life, because if that was the price, then so be it.” He looked down to Asle for just a moment.

“Then you understand that this is the price I’m paying.”

“No, there’s a difference. Rhodes didn’t save your life. He’s taken it from you. And I don’t think you realize that yet.”

They came to the door that would lead to Asle’s “residence.”

“Return to your room, please.” Nisha’s tone was polite, but Asle could hear the emotion underneath it.

Logan hesitated a moment, hugging Asle goodbye, and then turned to leave.

“You talk a lot about honor, but you’re using it as an excuse not to think.”

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Summers tossed the knife with everything he had. It flew through the air, embedding itself in the wall with a crack.

“Okay, that was badass, but no. Not even a chance it’ll land before a bullet.” Cortez studied the knife. It had buried itself a few inches into the stone. “Assuming you can get a spear, though, you’d definitely take him out.”

“All right, then I’m out of ideas.” Summers sat on the ground, rolling his shoulder.

“Pat could come through. Maybe he can get someone in there with a gun . . .” Nowak considered.

“Or we could just let him fork the guards outside.” Cortez gestured to the cutlery still on the table.

“We could. And it might even work, but we’re still unarmed, and even if Summers”—Nowak motioned to him vaguely—“does his thing, archers could still take him. He had us covering him during that fight, remember?”

Summers sighed. Thinking back on when they’d met Rhodes, they had options, but nothing he particularly liked the odds on. And they’d probably need Synel’s help.

“We’ll think of something.”

Nowak sat there, thumb pressed between his eyebrows.

"Assuming we don’t . . .”

“Then I’ll kill him, or he’ll kill me. And you two can stay with the caravan.” Summers spoke as casually as he could manage.

“Not what I meant,” Nowak pressed. “Look, I didn’t say anything on the wall, because I never expected we’d get into this shit. If something happens . . . do you want us to do anything?”

“Sarge—” Cortez chided him.

“I’m only bringing it up now so he can think it over.” Nowak held a hand up to Cortez. “Worst case scenario, it’s more than most people would get. Maybe write your mom a letter?”

Summers froze. The other two must have noticed, because they immediately stood.

“You all right? What’s wrong?” Nowak moved closer.

“My mom . . .” Summers looked up at him. He hadn’t noticed it until just now. “I can’t remember anything about her . . .”

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

It was late at night when Asle found Rhodes watching the beast she’d come to know as the hamr. He was just sitting there, staring at it, muttering something incomprehensible. She’d made the trip down to the far end of the castle a few times, hoping to find him in his usual spot.

“What do you want?” Rhodes didn’t bother with more than glance in Asle’s direction.

“To talk.” She moved down the stairs to the courtyard. It was empty. It usually was. Nobody but Rhodes liked to spend time here.

Her skin crawled just knowing that thing was watching her.

“If you’re trying to convince me to leave your friend alone, I’m sorry to say that that’s not happening.” Rhodes turned to look at her. “I’m doing this for your own good. I’m not