Page 165 of North Queen
“Lord Commander!” she called out, breathless.
He stood by the young men and turned when he heard her. His eyes narrowed. “You shouldn’t be out here,” he said darkly. “Return to the castle.”
“I won’t! What are you doing?”
“Your Majesty!” Ando called to her. “We told him you released us.”
“Ride on or watch them die,” the commander snarled at her.
The threat made Norah shudder. “No, these boys are returning home. I’m salara. You’ll release them!” she demanded.
A wicked smile came to his eyes. “Where the security of the kingdom is concerned, I act on behalf of Salar. You have no authority here.”
“They’re just boys!”
“They’re men. Not that it matters.”
Norah slid off her horse and stepped close to the commander so no one else could hear her. “If you’re angry at me, then let’s resolve that, just you and me. But I beg you, let them go.”
“I would never act in anger against Salar’s wife,” he said in a tone that chilled her more than any winter.
“Anything you ask,” she begged. “Please!”
He paused. “The Bear. Give him to me, and I’ll let them go.”
Bile rose in her throat. “You ask for what you know I can’t give.”
Before she could react, the commander ran Ando through with his sword, and the young man fell forward onto the ground.
“No!” Norah screamed as he turned and dropped another. She begged of Kiran, “Make him stop!”
The Crest guard gripped his sword handle but didn’t move. “We can’t do that, Salara.”
The commander cut down another man—so casually, so easily. Then he stepped toward the next. Norah clasped her hand over her mouth, stifling another scream, feeling completely helpless.
“Wait!” the man cried as the commander stepped toward him. “Wait! I’m the prince! Prince Jeord. If restitution is required, it can be paid! Just let us go. We’ll leave right now!”
The commander paused, and his eyes held a haunting smile. “Prince Jeord. I didn’t recognize you.” He leaned closer to the young man. “I have a message for your father. Restitutionisrequired. Tell him to bring his army and pay in blood.”
Jeord gaped in horror. “You want war?”
The commander looked at Norah. “It’s been said I lust for it.”
Jeord stood, shakily backing away.
“Run along,” the commander said. The other two young men scrambled up with Jeord, but before they could run, the commander dropped them both with his sword.
Norah let out a short scream. This couldn’t be happening.
The commander eyed the prince, who stumbled back with a cry in his throat.
“Just you,” the commander said as he stooped down and wiped his sword on one of the dead men’s clothes. “Go.”
Jeord whimpered, backing away. Then he turned and ran, stumbling but catching himself again.
The commander watched him until he was out of sight. “Stake the bodies by the border,” he told the Crest. “Bring the horses.” Norah staggered back in shock, and the commander turned to her. “Let’s go.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you!” she seethed.
