Men of Anderas II: Dak the Protector by Cheryl Johnson Read Free Book Online Page A

him to drink and not the feeling that he was failing
her, too. If he acknowledged the feeling, it would make him less
than the man he believed himself to be and that made him furious
again.
    “Who’s this Draagon?” He needed something to
keep his mind off the delicate woman across from him and her
unsettling effect on him.
    "Good question. He showed up on Cyperia
about fifteen years ago and quickly set up his little network of enforcers . They're not too particular about which side of
the law they enforce. Whoever pays the highest bounty gets the
benefit of his services."
    "Anyone tried to stop him?” In the score of
years Dak spent traveling between Anderas and Earth, he'd seen
hundreds of worlds in the same position. Men, whatever the species,
needed the security of laws and invariably believed that all law
enforcers were on the side of justice. Too often, these trusting
souls ended at the mercy of unscrupulous, power hungry thugs and
not a one of them could point to the exact moment in time when they
lost control.
    "Probably, but I wager none are alive to
brag about it. I got drunk with one of his Phantom Riders a few
years back. Seems Draagon's bigger plans include the takeover of
the universe."
    Dak snorted at Talon's observations. There
was always some insignificant demigod intent on ruling the stars.
So far, none of them even came close.
    "What's that got to do with Kierin?” His
firsthand knowledge of the powers of his crystal witch was limited,
but he doubted she had the power to take over a village much less
an entire planet.
    "That's where all this gets a little
fuzzy."
    Talon paused and watched the passengers
waking up around them. Most were gathering their belongings and
heading for the discharge bay. None were paying attention to the
unusual trio in the back of the cabin. Dak found himself liking the
bounty hunter. Under different circumstances he and Talon would
find a lot in common. He wasn't surprised when the last of the
lower deck passengers headed for the discharge bay. The three of
them were alone.
    "Draagon doesn't just want just any crystal
witch. He wants that one.” Talon indicated Kierin with a nod
of his head. "There's not one word of gossip floating around to
point to the reason. Whatever Draagon has in mind, he's keeping it
to himself. Do you know anything about her that would make her such
a valuable commodity?"
    Dak glanced over at Kierin, amazed that she
could sleep through the noise of docking and the exit of the other
passengers. Guiltily, he wondered if her exhaustion was because she
kept watch over them while he slept off the effects of her
herbs.
    "I never heard of a crystal witch until she
showed up on Safe Haven.” He grinned at the memory of Murdock's
reaction to the sight of Kierin. "She does create a stir for such a
tiny thing, doesn't she?"
    Talon's short bark of laughter sounded rusty
and unused. "Never underestimate a crystal witch. They're a common
sight at this end of the galaxy. Most people avoid them because of
their reputation, but I've never seen one do anything that didn't
help someone else. They're remarkable healers with their crystals
and herbs."
    Dak fingered the small stone nestled in the
hair on his chest. "Not all of her stones heal,” he whispered
bitterly.
    "Care to tell me what's between you and Lady
Kierin?"
    Dak gripped the stone around his neck in a
white-knuckled fist and locked his gaze with Talon's. "She bought
me at the slave auction. This rock," he lifted the amulet a few
inches from his chest, "guarantees that I'll behave myself.”
Dropping the stone, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the
seat. “I'm not able to do or say anything until she gives her
approval. I wouldn't be talking with you now if she hadn't given
permission for me to do what was necessary for our protection.
Every time I open my mouth I'm amazed when something comes out. I
want to rage at the injustice of this whole mess, but I can't. Do
you have any idea how good it