Page 34 of The Gathering
“Also bitten and has a woman,” Nitro called, like they were playingexplain that illness.
“King Rukem’s hunch is correct.”
All eyes turned to Seer. “I shook Nidev’s hand before leaving earlier and saw he is indeed hiding something of great relevance.”
“Like what?” Bishop demanded.
“He’s seen a coin,” Seer said. “And never told anybody.”
Holy fuckmurmurs broke out. “Didyousee the coin?” Bishop asked, his pulse hammering.
“Yes and no. I saw it but wasn’t allowed to see what was on it. Just like before when I had the vision of the coins. They’re all intended for the King it’s revealed to only.”
“Why thefuckwould he hide something like that?” Bishop wondered.
“And King Rukem’s deduction regarding his behavior is accurate. Heishiding deviances. All borne of the bat bite.”
“Called it,” Nitro muttered.
Bishop pulled his phone out and put his back to the room. “Ma Petite?” he whispered.
“What? I’m here, I’ve been here, are you okay?”
He’d waken his tired angel. “I need to use the phone for a minute. I’m putting you on hold, oui?”
“Oh… no, no, I can hang up and you can call me back.”
“You sure my angel?”
“So sure, yes, I promise, I’m fine.”
“I’ll call you in five.”
“Okay, I’ll be here, take as long as you need.”
Bishop hung up and found Nidev’s number and hit it.
“Marsh King,” he answered, crisp and cool.
“We need to all meet. How soon can you gather your Kings?”
“Immediately.”
“Good. See you in one hour.”
Bishop hung up before the King could get a word in and turned to the room. He passed his gaze over every sober face locked on his. “We’re meeting with the North Kings in one hour. Everything gets laid out on the table. We measure the situation, we count the cost and we gather whatever we need to secure this swamp and the families in it. Including the ones we’re rescuing.”
He looked at Seer, checking his gaze for any kind of signal. He gave a single, agreeing nod, loosening something in Bishop. More than ever, he was the north star he needed.
“We’ll take our Swamp Dragons,” Bishop said, headed for the door, ready to see his angel. “Text me any questions you have.”
Saints and Soldiers
“Hey!” Sinrik yanked on the odd restraints that held him snugly in the pitch dark. Whatever it was made of he was sure he didn’t want to know. Felt like he was on a bed. His brain oddly calm with a useless recalling of absolutely nothing regarding his current predicament.
“Help!”
Quick footsteps sounded as a door opened. “I’m here, I’m here,” a female voice whispered.
