Alliance of Serpents by Kevin Domenic Read Free Book Online Page A

conquer
Terranias?" Vultrel asked.
    "Aratus did," Kitreena told him. "But not
Sartan. He simply wanted compelling evidence that his invention
worked so that he could push buyers toward a higher price. And in
the meantime, I'm sure he preferred the idea of living in a castle
over living under a desert." While she was talking, she noticed
Arus' head begin to hang. I can't imagine how you must feel. I
wish I could tear that thing out of your head and give you back
your old life.
    Me too.
    Arus glanced at her momentarily; apparently
she'd let her thoughts get away from her again. She was about to
open her mouth when he spoke. "Are the Mages . . . I mean, the
Kyrosen . . . are they coming after me now?"
    Damien didn't bother to soften the truth. "It
is likely. However, with no ships to chase you, they won't be
finding you here anytime soon. Besides, the Aeden Alliance is
dedicated to defending those in need, and we will watch over you.
Not only that, but if Truce were to get his hands on that implant
again, it would be dangerous to many more people than just you. So
we will do everything in our power to protect you, Arus."
    Arus took a deep breath before nodding.
"Thank you."
    In contrast to his reaction, Vultrel snorted
loudly. "You need someone to defend you now? What happened to you,
Arus? What have you turned into? You and I were going to defend the
world against people like Truce, and now you're cowering behind
others for protection?"
    "Hey, back off, Vultrel!" Kitreena growled at
him. "You don't know what he's going through, all right? Unless
you've had your mind controlled by a madman and been forced to
murder your own friends and family, you have no idea what
he's dealing with right now!"
    For a moment, Vultrel stared back with a
sardonic smile. Then he looked at Arus again. "And now you need a
little girl to defend you. What have you become, Arus?" He rose
from his chair and turned to Damien. "I'd like to return home as
soon as possible. My people deserve some warning of Truce's
intentions."
    Kitreena bit her lip to keep from screaming
at him. How dare he call her a little girl? She could wrap him up
in her whip twice before he'd even get his sword from its scabbard.
But anything she said now would be out of emotion, and Damien was
always admonishing her for speaking without thinking. I hope
Truce's goons grab him the moment he sets foot on the surface.
We'll see what he has to say when the "little girl" has to come
rescue him again. She may have imagined it, but she thought she
heard Arus stifle a quiet laugh.
    "I'll have a transport prepared as soon as
this meeting his complete," Damien said, motioning toward Vultrel's
chair. "You're welcome to stay until we are through; we'll be happy
to answer any other questions you have."
    "Thanks, but no thanks." Vultrel gave him a
slight nod. "I'd prefer to just get home and try to get my life
back on track."
    "As you wish," Damien finally conceded.
Vultrel gave no more room for talk, leaving the room without so
much as a word of thanks. Kitreena shook her head when the door
closed behind him, but Damien spoke before she could. "He's
suffered a great loss, and though he doesn't understand the truth
behind what happened, he obviously holds Arus responsible. In time,
he'll see the reality of things, I'm sure. He just needs to grieve
for his father."
    This time, it was Arus' voice that spoke in
Kitreena's mind first. He thinks I'm a coward. My best friend
thinks I'm a coward.
    Kitreena looked back at him, hopeful her
telepathy continued its sporadic connection. You're not a
coward. Please don't ever think that. He did look at her then,
giving her a slight nod of thanks.
    Damien never noticed the silent exchange. "At
any rate, Arus, Doc Nori is very excited about you. He wants to
help you out as much as he can, and he's prepared to spend as much
time studying and tinkering with the implant as you're willing to
give him. He's studied the schematics extensively, and he believes
he can