Page 15 of The Study of Storms and Magic
Not a direct hit, but it didn’t matter. When the dust cleared, Annika, Endre, and their horses were lying dead on the ground. Astonished, Zethan reached for his knife. Lorton and his men would pay.
“Not so fast, Boyo,” Lorton said. “You might want to take a look before you do something stupid.”
Zethan focused on the scene. Heli lay unconscious in Zo’s lap. A bleeding gash on her temple explained the thud and wind. Lorton had the tip of his sword on Zohav’s neck. Ice cold fury settled in his heart. Unable to do anything but obey, he banked his emotions. For now.
“Dismount, Boyo,” Lorton ordered.
Zethan slid from the saddle. He was the same height as the captain. The man had a lean straggly build and was probably stronger than he looked.
“Beet, unarm them.”
He took Zethan’s knife, found the spare dagger strapped to his forearm, and located the switchblade strapped to his thigh. Then Beet removed Heli’s and Zo’s weapons.
“Alrighty then. Let’s get a few things straight,” Lorton said. “We are reclaiming our property. The energy in those orbs is Ixian energy and belongs to us. Not Sitia. You have your own storms to harvest.”
“By all means, take your energy. We’ll take our orbs,” Zethan said.
“You’re a real smart guy aren’t you, Boyo? Beet, show them what we do to smart guys.”
Beet backhanded Zethan. Pain exploded in his cheek as his head jerked to the side. Zethan stumbled as tears blurred his vision.
“Tell you what, I’ll send the pieces of the orbs along with your bodies to Sitia when we’re done. How does that sound?”
Zethan kept quiet.
“Thought so. Now, where was I? Ah, yes. You stole our property, which makes you thieves. According to the Code of Behavior, that will get you five years in prison. However, you did it using magic, which is a big no-no. In that case, the COB callsfor your immediate execution.” Lortontsked. “It’s not looking good for you, your sister, and your friend.”
The throbbing in Ethan’s cheek was forgotten as he straightened. His pulse raced as dread crawled up his spine. He met Lorton’s brown-eyed gaze.
“Got your attention now, don’t I?” Lorton waited.
“Yes.”
“Good. How about I make a deal?”
“I’m listening.”
“All we really want is the orbs, so the three of you are superfluous. However, your talents might come in handy. You make yourselves useful and you can live, if not, you die. How’s that?”
Cooperate or die. The same exact deal the pirate, Jibben had given them years ago. “How can we make ourselves useful?”
Lorton gave him a disappointed frown. “First you agree, Boyo. Your word of honor.”
Zohav shook her head slightly, glaring at him. Her thoughts,not this again, clear on her face. He signaledplay alongto her.
“I agree.”
“Goody. First, I need information.” He pointed to Heli. “Is your Stormdancer going to behave? She’s the most powerful of you lot, right?”
He certainly hoped she’d misbehave, but they had to bide their time. “She will once she understands.”
“And will she give us the glass recipe for the orbs? So, we can make more?”
“She can’t. The Stormdancers don’t know it for thisexactreason. Only the glass blower knows the percentages.” He kept his expression neutral. Knowing Heli’s insatiable curiosity, she had probably figured it out by now.
“Uh huh.” Lorton sucked on his teeth for a minute. “Can she call fog?”
“Yes.”
