Freelancers: Falcon & Phoenix Read Online Free Page B

of gold dragons. In one of their mouths rests a long, thin pipe. In the chair sits a man, impeccably dressed in a black and gold silk robe. Phoenix stands just to the side of the throne, speaking to the man. With the vice grip of Big Wang on the back of his neck, all Falcon can do is listen.
    “I do appreciate you coming all the way here, my dear Phoenix. You are a most welcome guest in our empire,” the man on the throne says.
    “It wasn’t the plan. He totaled my car. I just need to get another one and we can be on our way,” Phoenix replies.
    “So soon? You have not been in the capital city for two hours and already you are prepared to leave? Why not partake of the many delights we have to offer? Especially in the castle. My chefs will prepare you a most succulent dish.”
    “I appreciate the offer but the sooner I get him back, the sooner I get paid.”
    The silk robed man stands and takes a few steps toward Falcon. “Though we would, very much, like to assist you in your hastened needs, it is with regret that we must inform you that transportation is as much as we can provide. Of course the mode is entirely your choice. But getting him back?” He points at Falcon. “This, I am afraid, is forbidden.”
    “With all due respect, Emperor, what I’ve gone through to get him this far—“
    “Is most appreciated. We are prepared to compensate you for his contract. Though it saddens me to say that it will not be quite the amount I am sure you were to receive.”
    Phoenix stares at the Emperor’s back. Her eyes dart to Falcon. “In less than a day, he destroyed my car.”
    “Easily replaced,” the Emperor tells her.
    “He almost got me blown up.”
    “Yet, here you stand.”
    “I was attacked on a bus.”
    “You overcame. As you have many times before.”
    Phoenix takes a moment to come up with another logical argument. Some reason the Emperor should turn Falcon back over to her. “I always fulfill a contract. That’s my reputation. That’s my honor.”
    The Emperor turns to her, intrigued by her new response. Honor is no material thing and is of such a high value that no price can be placed on it. He steps toward her. “Your reputation is your honor. I can certainly appreciate that. What are we, whether an Emperor, a King, or a peasant, without our honor? It is what sets us apart from those unmentionables of society. Even one such as myself cannot stand above the honor of another.”
    “So you’ll—“
    “But this is why I am intrigued. Honor coming from the mouth of a Freelancer?” The Emperor smiles.
    His expression tells her everything she needs to know. He has no intention of releasing Falcon back to her.
    “An individual who seeks only material wealth and glory has very little room in themselves for honor. Seeking the betterment for the people. That is honorable.” The Emperor walks back to his throne and sits down. He removes the pipe from the dragon's mouth and brings it to his own, taking a leisurely drag from it. “You are welcome here whenever you like. But what you do is far from honorable, dear Phoenix.” The smoke billows from his mouth as he speaks.
    “What, not good enough for the castle?” Falcon strains to speak.
    “You’ll never see the castle, again.” Big Wang tightens his grip on Falcon’s neck.
    “Ah, he is awake.” The Emperor places the pipe back in the dragon's mouth and stands. “The jackal is awake. This will make a far more engaging celebration.”
    “Celebration?” Phoenix asks.
    “Sure. Slow needles. Sounds like a great party.” Falcon smiles sarcastically.
    The Emperor walks quickly toward his new prisoner and back hands him across the face. “You do not speak unless spoken to.”
    “I thought you were talking to me.”
    The Emperor raises his hand again.
    “What did he do?” Phoenix interrupts before a second strike.
    “He did not tell you?” The silk robes gently flow as the Emperor spins to face her.
    “He just said he wasn’t welcome here.