The Darkslayer: Book 01 - Wrath of the Royals by Craig Halloran Read Free Book Online Page A

army is in league with the underlings! And has been for quite some time! It’s no wonder she’s been so successful. And we’ve been helping her!”
    Billip crossed his hands behind his back and paced inside the small tent.
    Mikkel sat back down, leaning against the tent post.
    “Bone … we gotta tell Venir. He’s gonna freak. Man … he hates underlings more than I hate kobolds.”
    “Uh … that’s the other thing. I’m glad you’re sitting down for this next bit of news.”
    Mikkel looked up at him, his chestnut face fresh with loss.
    Billip squatted down beside his friend.
    “It seems Jarla has no more need of Venir’s services. I assume that includes us, too. And I think the last guy that slept with her is dead. And the guy before him. And so on. You catch my drift?”
    Mikkel was clutching his skull.
    “Man, she is one evil lady! No wonder those guys always chuckle when he walks by. Glad it wasn’t me after all. I guess dreamin’s better than dyin’. ”
    “Except you’re the one that get’s to save him,” Billip said, slapping Mikkel on the shoulder.
    “What? Me?” Mikkel pointed to himself as he stood up. “I’m not gonna run in there and pull him out of her bed! He might as well go happy—I say!”
    “That’s not the plan. And shame on you!” he said, wagging his finger.
    “Sorry, just kidding. I knew she was evil though. It’s like she hates everything. I never saw that woman smile,” Mikkel paused, “… but still, she looks good. Tough break for Vee, though. So what’s the plan?”
    “First off, I gotta warn Outpost Thirty-One. I’m gonna need to clear a hole through the wretched Ravine Watch. There are five guards on each side of the ravine, spaced out over a mile.”
    Billip drew with his finger into the dirt.
    “They use bird pipes to signal. I’m gonna cut off of the west side of the ravine—Here!”
    Using a stick he made an X in the dirt.
    “That’s the side you and Venir will have to take to get out of the camp and past the brigand squadron at the end of the ravine. They’re only orcs and usually sleep between the whistles, especially right before dawn. I shouldn’t have much trouble taking them out. If I have time, I’ll take out the other side as well, and you guys will hopefully be able to disappear from camp altogether. Got it?”
    “I’m with you,” Mikkel said with a nod, rubbing his club.
    Billip rubbed his scruffy chin.
    “It should be dawn before long. I hope Venir will make his way back here as usual, to tell us his exploits. Break the news to him and get the Bone out of here! Meet me at Outpost Thirty-One. Got it?”
    Mikkel nodded again.
    “I’m going on foot, so have my horse ready for Venir. His horse is stabled, so don’t fool with it, it might draw suspicion. And you,” he grabbed Chongo’s face, “make sure he doesn’t screw this up.”
    “Good luck, Billip. You’re gonna need it,” Mikkel said.
    “I like my chances better than yours, so hang on to that luck,” Billip said, grim-faced as he slipped outside of the tent.
    Billip drifted like a shadow over the plateau edge and into the ravine. The forest was black and slick as he passed through thickets and hours old cobwebs.
    Got to do this.
    He had to be at his best and not miss a single shot in the blackness; if he had to he would sneak up and cut their throats. This do-or-die mission was as frightening and exciting as any he had ever faced, but he was determined not to let down his friends—or the rest of his race, for that matter.
    Men and underlings, why me?
    He had friends in that outpost, they all did. It was a key stronghold that helped keep the underlings from gaining control in the north for as long as anyone knew. Without it, the tide would between man and underlings would shift. The foul creatures had been gaining ground for quite some time. This might be the strike the foul creatures were waiting for. He had to get there in time. He worried about his friends.
    I hope they