Omega by Lizzy Ford Read Free Book Online

vision of a gold-obsessed pirate in my head
for some reason, and the clean-shaven, practically attired Niko was
nothing like that. The edge of wary arrogance definitely fit the
image I’d created.
    “ You’ve met your charge, I
see,” Father Ellis said.
    “ What? This little girl?”
Niko motioned to me. He looked me over critically.
    I crossed my arms, irked that even the guy
they were paying to take Herakles’ place was judging me. Before I
could say anything, Father Ellis rested his hand on my forearm.
    “ Lyssa is humanity’s most
precious member.” Father Ellis had stiffened.
    “ Coming from a priest who
doesn’t believe in violence, that doesn’t mean much.” Niko flashed
a quick smile, though his cold eyes were never still. “At least
she’s tough and can run. I had expected someone more …
delicate.”
    What was worse? Being
called a kid who
couldn’t run or fight or being considered unladylike? Niko wasn’t
winning any points with me. I wasn’t a nymph, but I had outraced
him.
    “ Can you really fight?”
Niko asked me.
    “ I can,” I proclaimed. “I
can climb, camp, hunt, run, fight … I can do
everything.”
    “ She had a very motivated
guardian,” Father Ellis said with some disapproval. “Neglected her
studies. But, she can run.”
    What was wrong with these people? Judging me
for being prepared for the situation they knew was coming?
“Whatever. Let’s go.” I shifted my pack.
    “ Go where?” Niko asked,
gaze once more on Father Ellis.
    “ To wherever you’re taking
us,” I replied.
    “ My contract was for
stationary service in a place with three squares and a real
bed.”
    I pointed towards the school. “That place
was blown up.”
    “ We have a situation,”
Father Ellis said simultaneously.
    Niko planted his hands on his hips.
    Seeing the priest squirm under his glare
made me very happy after my day. “Are you going to tell him about
the ground forces coming?” I prompted innocently.
    “ Quiet, Lyssa.” Father
Ellis turned towards the school and began walking. “Come with me.
Both of you.”
    I went, mainly because I had nowhere else to
go and a little because I wanted to see Niko and Father Cristopolos
in an argument.
    “ I’m not going anywhere
until the contract is defined,” Niko stated.
    “ If you wish to be paid,
you will come with me,” Father Ellis replied.
    I looked over my shoulder as I walked,
waiting to see what the mercenary would end up doing. He was
watching us unhappily. Finally, he started forward, tense and
bristling, eyeing the forest with wariness I didn’t share. His long
strides closed the distance to Father Ellis and me, and he stepped
onto the deer path we walked on.
    “ Can you really hunt?” he
asked me.
    “ I can.”
    “ Good. At least you’ll be
useful if your priests try to pull one over on me.”
    I glanced at him, not liking the sound of
that.
    “ I will take you whether
they pay me or not. There’s an underground market for someone like
you.”
    “ Niko, do not scare her,”
Father Ellis said. “You will be paid above and beyond what we
promised.”
    “ What do you mean, someone
like me?” I asked in confusion. “If I am what they think I am,
there’s only one of someone like me … of me … of whatever you think
I am.”
    “ You’re an initiate,
aren’t you?” Niko asked.
    “ Do I look like an
initiate?” I retorted.
    “ Lyssa, hush!” Father
Ellis shot me a look. “Let us deal with him.” He stepped from the
forest onto the greens. “Father Cristopolos!” he cried. The head
priest and Father Renoir stood with a pile of items that had been
salvaged from the building.
    I started to follow, but all four turned to
yell, “Stay in the forest!”
    “ Oh, my gods!” I groaned
and jerked back to make sure I remained where they told
me.
    Niko appeared amused then hardened as he
stepped past the red rope onto the greens. He paused several steps
away and turned to face me.
    “ Who or what do they think
you