Vesik 04 - This Broken World Read Online Free Page B

head. “I have no secrets from the pack.”
    “Well, you certainly know how to make yourself more likable than the average necromancer,” Alan said.
    “Considering the necromancers I’ve known, I’m not sure if that was a compliment, or a … something else.”
    Alan toasted me with his water bottle.
    Hugh sighed, a slight look of exasperation on his face as he rubbed his forehead. “Yes, well, Zola would like you to finish your training with the Old Man.”
    “Where?” I asked, before realizing I probably knew where. “At the cabin?”
    “She did not specify. I would imagine it is safe to say the location has not changed.”
    “That is one scary son of a bitch,” Alan said.
    Vicky giggled and scooted up on the couch to grab one of the water bottles. I stared, fascinated, as she cracked the bottle open and drank deeply. She flopped back onto the couch beside me.
    “I do not imagine the Old Man will hold back,” Hugh said. His gaze lingered on Vicky and her water. “There are not many grudges that last two thousand years.”
    “Do you think he could be as much a threat to us as Ezekiel in battle?” Alan asked.
    Hugh shook his head slowly. “I don’t believe so. He hasn’t had a catastrophe since the destruction of Roanoke.”
    “The lost colony?” I asked.
    “Before my time,” Carter said.
    “Almost five hundred years is before most everyone’s time,” Hugh said. “Only a handful of men outside of the immortals have lived so long.”
    “What happened at Roanoke?” I asked.
    Hugh studied me for a moment before his eyes moved to the old table between us. “It is not my place to tell you. If the Old Man wishes to tell you that story, it is his burden to bear.”
    “Not even a hint?”
    A small smile lifted Hugh’s lips before he expertly changed the subject. “Glenn had a request for you, too, Damian.”
    “Super.”
    “He does not wish you to walk the Warded Ways for this council. You are to take Philip’s hand of glory.” He paused. “I suppose it is now your hand of glory.”
    “Why would Damian need to use that thing?” Foster asked.
    “I honestly don’t know,” Hugh said. “I doubt Glenn would intend to harm you by way of the hand. He is not so subtle where violence is concerned.”
    Foster barked out a sharp laugh. “No shit.”
    “How do I even use it?” I asked.
    “Oh, they’re easy to use.” Foster wiggled his fingers. “Just lace your fingers together with the hand’s fingers, like you’re holding hands. That will forge a bond.”
    Hugh’s face was drawn as he frowned.
    “I’m with Hugh,” I said. “Nasty.”
    “Nasty?” Alan said. “You’re a necromancer, aren’t you?”
    “Hey, that doesn’t mean I like to pick up severed arms to go dancing through fields of wildflowers.”
    Alan blinked before his face broke into a smile. “That does make quite a visual.”
    “Purple wildflowers,” I said. “In Kentucky.”
    Carter groaned and dropped his forehead onto his hand with an audible smack.
    Vicky giggled as she jumped up, took a step across the coffee table, and pounced on Happy’s back. “Maybe not with a severed arm, but I bet he’d go dancing with dead people.”
    Alan’s mouth quirked to one side as Vicky settled in beside him.
    “Besides, I’m dead and he still likes me.”
    Alan’s face fell slightly. A darkness slid into the room. In silence, I mourned the loss of what Vicky had been, and I nurtured a blind rage for the monsters who had hurt her. It didn’t matter that they were both dead now. Some things can never be forgiven.
    I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes briefly. I could still smell the river within the musky lair of the wolves. “You got me, kiddo. I’d go dancing with you anytime.”
    “See?” Vicky said, bouncing her legs.
    Alan studied me for a moment before he nodded his head. Whether he meant “Hey, you’re an okay necromancer,” or “Hey, I’m glad you killed those fuckers,” I don’t know, but I returned