His mind reeled as he pushed to his feet. He gave another tug, but the appendage remained attached to him, pulling tight, creating the most wondrous pain. He lost his breath, again fell to his knees. White feathers veined in gold greeted his eyes, the tendons thick, strong and unscarred. Heart slamming against his ribs, he jerked whatever he held forward. He reached back-and encountered the soft graze of feathers. Clerici was nowhere to be seen, and there was a heavy weight at his back, as if two warriors had jumped on him and refused to let go. Panting and sweating, Koldo lumbered to his feet. Yes, it was, the pain ending as abruptly as it had begun. What had Clerici done to him? There was no way he could survive this. His chin slammed against the marble, the taste of copper coating his tongue.Ī shout pounded against his teeth, split his lips apart. A sharp, agonizing lance bowed his back, and he fell the rest of the way forward. The shirt was ripped from his body, though no one touched him, the material floating to the floor. His knees buckled, and he hit the ground with a hard thump. Pain like he had not endured even in his father’s camp, when he was hung from the ceiling by hooks embedded in the muscles in his chest, each of the Nefas warriors allowed to strike him once, with the weapon of their choice. “Do you know what Zacharel asked me to give you?” Clerici asked.īefore Koldo could guess at the answer, pain shot through his entire body. “Sometimes it’s better not to say anything at all.” “The mouth can be a snare,” Clerici added more gently. His lips felt glued together as he nodded. And without love.well, you’ll fall, and Zacharel has no desire to see you fall.”Ī simple command from the king, but one Koldo could not refute. “Right now, Koldo, you are filled with so much hate there’s no room for love. But Zacharel named you as the recipient of his reward, and I promised to deliver it.”īut.why would Zacharel do such a thing?ĭark eyes pierced deep. Unless the Most High informs me otherwise, I can see only your actions. Unlike the Merciful One, the Anointed One and the Mighty One, I cannot see into your heart and know the good you are capable of. At the moment of contact, a warm cascade of honey began to wash over Koldo, bathing him, empowering him.

He lightly placed his hands on Koldo’s shoulders, but then, strength wasn’t needed.

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