The Human-Undead War Trilogy (Book 1): Dark Intentions by Jonathan Edwardk Ondrashek Read Free Book Online Page A

burning gaze as it swept over them. 
    “No, Lord. Such morals are beneath me,” Frank claimed in an even voice. “I’ve done nothing to denounce your orders, sir.” 
    The groundskeeper spat at Frank’s shoes. “Master, he—” 
    “Silence, worm!”  
    The groundskeeper was yanked to his feet. One bony finger pointed to stifle further accusations.  
    “You are the reason I am here right now. There are more important matters at hand, would you agree?” 
    The groundskeeper nodded, averting his eyes.  
    The Master faced Frank once more. “Young Hammers, you have shown so much potential. These actions are unlike your character.” 
    “Lord, I’ve done nothing—” 
    “I have eyes, fool!” the Master barked, eyes narrowed. “Do not insult me. You attempted to kill Ashmore. In public, nonetheless.” 
    The groundskeeper flinched.  Yes, I’m Ashmore. John Ashmore.  
    You are nothing. You are a nameless servant to His will. You shed yourself of humanity, vanquished to the recesses of your mind.  
    Be quiet or I’ll silence you forever myself!  
    Frank folded and unfolded his hands in front of him. Like a prisoner awaiting a verdict. 
    The Master stepped forward and gripped the sides of Frank’s head, caressing his locks. “Your father will be greatly disappointed.” 
    “Please don’t tell him,” Frank whimpered. “I’ll do anything to prove my worth.” 
    The Master shushed him. “Oh, young Hammers, your father will not be as disappointed with you as he will be with me.” 
    With one hefty tug, Frank’s head was torn from his body. Blackened blood spurted from an exposed vein in Frank’s neck, spraying John with a fine, cold mist.  
    The body slumped to the ground with a sickening thud.  
    The Master held the stump high, then levitated ten feet into the air. Frank’s mouth opened and closed like a fish underwater. “This, ladies and gentlemen, is—was—Frank Hammers,” the Master bellowed.  
    Child and adult alike turned away.  
    “He was to become my personal advisor one day, a humble noble in our society, a historical figure for all to praise and respect.” He flung the head to the ground. It bounced next to John’s foot. “This is his mark on society now, a reminder of what it means to defy my orders.” The Master bared his fangs and hissed at the crowd. “I gave you a new life, a society where you will only be persecuted for disobeying the few laws I have in place. Obey or die.” 
    John kicked Frank’s stomach as hard as he could, enjoying what little revenge was left for him. 
    “Leave this husk here. The sunlight will dispose of this wretched excuse for a vampire.”  
    The crowd scattered.  
    The Master descended to the ground, his cape rustling as he landed. He wore his navy blue uniform, the colors of their army. Ruffles on his shirt stemmed from his neck down to his waist, and the cuffs of the sleeves fell over his hands. His pants were also ruffled around the ankles, exposing little of the shiny black boots with gold buckles that he always wore when he prepared to greet guests.  
    John knelt on one knee as the Master approached. “Master, I am humbled by your presence.” John paused, wondering why the voices in his head didn’t belittle him. Perhaps they were gone for good? He spoke so that no one—not even the priest, who was still within arm’s reach—could hear. “I have great news from the battlefield afar.”  
    “Is that so?” The Master leaned forward with a bushy eyebrow raised.  
    John stood, unable to hide his excitement. “The wraiths have grown, Master, and are ready to enter the battlefield when you command.”  
    The Master smiled. “Great news indeed, Ashmore. Come. We have much to discuss.” He smacked John on the back and steered him through the dissipating crowd. “The first wraith has also succeeded in his mission. Our diversion is underway. The humans will be