Page 140 of The King of Koraha
“Rendor’s angry about being enslaved by Xerxes. He’s going to beat that man bloody. And then it’s my turn.”
Sure enough, the cuts on Xerxes’ arms, legs, and torso multiplied as his blood coated Rendor’s sword. He shuffled in close and stabbed Xerxes in the shoulder of his sword arm. Xerxes’ weapon clattered to the ground. But it didn’t stop him from charging at Rendor. Xerxes ducked under Rendor’s sword and rammed him into the wall.
“It’s a good thing I’m not alone either,” Xerxes said, then he yelled, “Vilma!”
Shyla turned toward the ramp, bracing for an attack. Now she understood the significance of Xerxes’ comment about sneaking in a “large force.”
Except a single set of boots came down, revealing Jaft. “Uh, yeah. About that…” Jaft scratched his shoulder. “Vilma and the others are otherwise engaged.”
Xerxes growled a curse as Rendor took advantage of the commander’s momentary lack of focus by punching him in the stomach.
Relieved but wary that Vilma’s unit might show up soon, Shyla asked Jaft, “Engaged in what?”
“Engaged in contemplation over a lifetime of poor choices. Maybe some regret over joining forces with Xerxes. Most definitely fretting about their futures or lack of them.”
Shyla stared at him. It seemed too good to be true. “You captured them? How?”
He beamed at her. “Once the compulsion disappeared and we could think again, the Swords decided to play along with the madman until the perfect opportunity arose.” He gestured to them. “I’d say this was about as perfect as it gets. And…sorry, but I just need…” Jaft strode to her and hugged her tight. “I’m so very glad you’re both alive. Burying you in the desert—”
“Sunbeam.” Rendor’s strained voice interrupted them. “Your turn.” He blocked Xerxes’ hammer fist with his forearm. Rendor had lost his sword. Covered with sweat and blood, he panted for breath.
Jaft released her and stepped back. Shyla gathered her magic and aimed it at the commander.
Freeze.
Xerxes froze. He struggled mightily, but Shyla wielded both the power of The Eyes and her magic. A double whammy.
“The sunfire no longer protects you from me,” Shyla said. “Sit down, Beast.”
He plopped onto the ground.
“Give me your pendant.”
His muscles strained against the command, but he took it off and handed it to her.
“Thank you. Put your hands behind your head.”
He laced his fingers together.
“Stay, Beast. Good boy.” She patted his head. “What do you think is worse? Being well aware that you’re being forced to comply, or having both your mind and body compliant? Becoming someone else with a new name and identity?”
Xerxes glared at her.
“Answer my question, Beast.” She added more heat.
“This is worse,” he ground out.
“Oh? I disagree, but…” She removed the blackfire from around her neck and donned the sunfire pendant. “It’s your choice. Hands down. Head bowed.”
Xerxes obeyed even though he tried to resist her commands. Guess she was angry, too.
“Wow, look at those muscles,” Gurice said, fanning her face. “Too bad they’re wasted on you.”
When Shyla bent down to put the blackfire on Xerxes, he said, “Stop. Please.”
“The please is nice, but it no longer matters what you want. It’s whatIwant. Isn’t that what you’ve been doing all along?”
No answer.
