Chapter 24
Talear
The Ebony Fortress
The sound of mordrick's sword striking his sparring partner echoed through the grand, empty throne room. The two of them were alone in the middle of the expansive room, engaged in their training session.
“You are losing your touch, Seth.” Mordrick swung his sword in a wide downward arc, ready to teach his loyal interrogator a lesson.
Anticipating the tactic, Seth sidestepped, countering the oncoming blow with a high swing and a loud, piercing clang. Their swords locked, guard to guard, bracer to bracer.
“I’m just warming up,” Seth defended with a deep chuckle, then thrust against their locked weapons.
Mordrick laughed and rammed back with such unexpected force, Seth was knocked backwards. He stumbled but was able to catch his balance. He raised his sword in a defensive stance, ready for the next attack.
The throne room doors opened, catching Mordrick’s attention. Noticing his advisor’s cautious approach, Mordrick lowered his weapon. “Has there been word of Reyne and my bride?”
Magnius braced for Mordick’s displeasure. "No, my lord. Not yet."
Seth lowered his sword and quipped a brow in shock. “Bride?”
“Yes. Bride,” Mordrick responded with a sharp snap. “Reyne is fetching her for me.”
Seth rolled his eyes in a gesture of disbelief. “Reyne, really? I hope you are not expecting a virgin on your wedding night.”
Magnius snorted and then tried to cover it up with a feigned coughing fit and a punch to the chest.
The tip of Mordrick’s sword pressed against Seth’s throat.
His steel gaze darkened with menace as he growled.
“Virgin or not, if Reyne soiled my intended, I will kill him. Just like I will kill anyone who suggests my bride isn’t pure.
” With the flat side of his broadsword braced on his forearm, Mordrick tipped the point, nicking Seth’s Adam's apple. “Understand?”
Seth’s heavy sword hit the polished floor with a series of resounding clanks. He raised both palms in surrender, hoping his neck wasn’t about to resemble a slab of skewered meat. “Fuck, Mordrick. It was a jest.”
Mordrick withdrew his sword a mere inch and smiled in a murderous way that suggested Seth should be worried about his life. He jerked his chin in the direction of the double doors. “Get out.”
Seth retrieved his discarded crimson mantle and longsword, offered a rushed bow and sped from the throne room.
Once the doors settled to a silky close, Mordrick beckoned to a timid slave girl with long dark hair, who scurried to bring him his inky black mantle.
After securing it for him with two silver brooches, one on each shoulder and anchoring a thick chain, she hurried away to retrieve his wine.
Mordrick climbed the dais and slid onto his throne.
A moment later, a chalice filled with burgundy rested in his hand.
“What does Captain Zander think?” Mordrick asked Magnius with a direct stare as he took a casual sip.
“We, um…haven’t spoken to Captain Zander directly. Every time we check in, he is out with a scouting party.”
Mordrick considered this with a skeptical frown. He rhythmically drummed his fingers on the armrest for a long minute. Tap. Tap. Tap. “Send another convoy."
“Pardon? Did you say send another convoy?”
“Yes, a mining ship this time. With a full regiment. Have it's captain land close to the rendezvous point, but not right on top of it. Understand?"
“Yes, my lord,” he replied as was expected. “But, may I ask why?”
"I have this nagging suspicion that not all is as it should be.'' Mordrick rubbed his jawline with long fingers, his expression thoughtful. "A suspicion mind you, but I'm not about to take any chances. Not with this. Not with her. My Valerian bride, who will secure my future."
Magnius knew better than to argue. If Mordrick wanted another convoy to be sent, then that is exactly what he would do. No questions. Also, he preferred his head intact. "I will personally accompany the mining ship to the surface," Magnius promised.
“Good. Now get to it.”
After an overly dramatic bow that ended with unnecessary flourish, Magnius followed Seth’s lead and sped from the throne room.
Mordrick sipped his wine, enjoying the heady flavor, then leapt from his throne and stalked over to the control center. Kendra’s image appeared on the display. His finger touched the screen so he could trace the lines of her innocent face.
She was Valerian. The daughter of his most hated enemy. He should be repulsed.
But for some strange reason, he couldn’t wait to have this Valerian princess at his mercy.
On her fucking knees.
Mordrick fought the urge to summon the nearest slave to release his lust, instead he turned the viewer off with a cruel smile and triumphant laugh. All of Valeria would be at his mercy soon enough, not just her.
He spoke out loud, his voice echoing, “And once I have Valeria, nothing will stand in my way when I begin the re-colonization of Calypsta. I will return her to her former glory and take the throne.”
Ominous laughter spilled through the doors and slithered down corridors that led from the throne room. If any of the fortress dwellers heard it, they ignored it.
It was nothing out of the ordinary.
They had all heard his sinister laughter many times before.