Tides of Blood and Steel Read Online Free

the dungeons had ruined his body and fractured his mind. He was Harnin’s spy no longer. The betrayal ate away at him. Foul memories tormented him every time he closed his eyes. Ionascu drowned in an overwhelming sense of hopelessness.
    “Hsst, we are here,” Bahr whispered.
    The Sea Wolf slipped to the ground and drew his sword. It was time to find out just how thorough Harnin was. The others closed in around him. All but Ionascu were prepared for battle.
    “Boen, swing around the right side. The main entrance is directly opposite of us. I don’t suppose I need to tell you to kill anyone who gets in the way.”
    The Gaimosian shook his head with a rueful smile. He knew his role well enough and was one of the best at it. It was a gift of his bloodline. The only friendlies around were standing beside him. Everyone else was fair game. The dungeon beatings flashed, driving his battle rage higher. Vengeance Knight. The title was much more than a simple name designed to inspire terror in the unbelievers. Boen fully intended to live up to the name before the first rays of light kissed the frost-covered land. Boen rolled his shoulder muscles and stalked off into the night like some dangerous beast from legend.
    Bahr snatched Ionascu by the collar. “You stay here with the horses and watch our backs. Got it?”
    The broken man barely nodded. His eyes remained unfocused, staring off into the snow-covered fields.
    Oddly satisfied by the lack of reaction, Bahr said, “Rekka come with me. We secure the perimeter and the barn, get what we need, and get out before they know we are here.”
    The first break of dawn breached the horizon. Time was almost up. Boen made first contact with a pair of enemy pickets guarding the front door. A feral grin lit his face. He attacked with impossible speed and grace. Neither guard had a chance. The fight was over before it really began. Boen punched his sword through the first man’s stomach and spun to take the second’s head before either had a chance to draw their blades. Boen dropped into a crouch in search of more targets. Old sensations combined with the sudden rush of adrenaline gave him strength, enhanced his reactions. Born a warrior, he lived every day for the prospect of joining battle with worthy opponents. This was almost too easy. He wasn’t disappointed when he caught the column of torches coming down the main avenue. Right on time .
    Bahr and Rekka moved just as quickly on securing the barn. Rekka struck hard; ruthless in her assault. Two guards, almost bored with their assignment, lounged against the snow and ice-covered door. Bahr frowned, knowing even with their inattentiveness he’d never be able to cross the distance before one or both raised the alarm. Rekka held no hesitations and charged light-footed across the snow. Her slippered feet landed so lightly she barely left a track before falling on the guards. Stabbing the closest in the chest, she ripped the blade free and spun around to catch the second across the stomach. Blood sprayed out in a grizzly arc, followed closely by organs and viscera as the body dropped. Both guards died without a sound. Rekka knelt and wiped the blood and clumps of flesh from her sword.
    Bahr was impressed. Until now he hadn’t seen her in action. She’d only been an idea, not a dangerous weapon capable of slaughtering them all. Her lethality made him nervous and grateful they were allied. “Let’s start loading the wagon. Take all of the weapons and supplies you can find.”
    “Where are you going?” Rekka asked almost too innocently.
    “Inside. My safe is hidden in my library.”
    Rekka accepted his answer and went about her task. The horses hitched easily enough and then she set to loading sheaves of arrows and other weapons. Bahr slipped out the back door. Using the buildings for cover, he skirted around the house and met Boen on the porch. The bigger man was sitting in Bahr’s favorite rocking chair with a flint glare in his