When Goblins Rage (Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

light.
    “Tainted!” he roared. “I've got Tainted!”
    His shout was quickly echoed from the clearing, and the elf felt a sudden rise of uncertainty as she realised in only a few short seconds she would be swarmed by soldiers hungry to avenge the death of one of their comrades.
    Battling fury and fear, the elf darted away, attempting to flee into the forest. Hoped to lose them in the maze of twisted trees and thorny underbrush.
    Knew if she headed north, the forest grew thick and practically impassable. There would be plenty of places she could hide.
    Plenty of chances to evade even the most ardent pursuer.
    Maybe even the opportunity to kill a few.
    But the soldier with his sword drawn had other ideas. And he moved with incredible speed to block her path. The sword flicked out like a steel tongue, aimed at her face.
    Surprised again, she ducked under the blow, forced to stagger backward.
    The man grinned, pleased he'd managed to cut off her escape. The sword moved laconically in his hand. Tip following her like it was a living thing.
    He'd be good with it, she thought.
    Unconsciously, she remembered how her face had gained its scar. Another Caspiellan, good with his sword, had managed to skewer her cheek. He'd been fast, too.
    Violet eyes flat, the elf drew Fulci's Last Joke and Attitude Adjuster . Still not feeling sure of her footing, she feigned slightly to her left before leaping to her right, anxious to slide around his sword. Maybe stick him in the ribs before rushing past.
    She could hear heavy footfalls as more soldiers burst into the forest behind her. Could hear them snarling and snapping to each other.
    Searching.
    The sword, however, ignored her attempt to mask her intention, and instead she found it thrusting straight at her chest.
    “Bastard,” she choked, again forced to cartwheel back, this time off balance.
    He thirsted for the kill. Wanted to cleave her in two. But something held him back. Stopped him from rushing in.
    Aware he was simply waiting for the others to surround her, she felt panic rise on a wave of bile in the back of her throat. The icy ball of fear spun hard in her guts. Her eyes flicked, seeking an opportunity.
    A break.
    A moment of hesitation.
    Blink of any eye.
    Something.
    But he gave nothing, except the smug grin which was fixed on his face like a mask.
    “The General wants to speak to anyone we find,” he told her, almost conversationally. “Or I'd kill you right here. Cut you into little pieces. Now, I can see you looking. This way. That way. You reckon you got what it takes to get around me, maybe. But you ain't got it. Trust me, Tainted One. You ain't got it. All you're gonna get if you try, is hurt. Or dead, and damn his orders. So best you make it easy on yourself and put down those stickers. Just drop them. Nice and easy. And believe me, you want to make it real easy, because I'll be the one who kills you when the General's through with you. And I can make it quick. Or I can make it slow in ways you couldn't begin to believe. You get me?”
    “Not yet,” she growled. “But I will.”
    And she launched herself at him with a shrill scream of defiance. A sound which split the trees and made the advancing soldiers hesitate.
    Just for a moment.
    A moment she needed so she could force her way past the swordsman.
    And escape.
    Into the shadows which would always welcome her.
    The sword snaked out at her.
    She felt the thrill of contact as her hand, fisted around Attitude Adjuster , tensed for impact. Blade streaking toward his face.
    But again, he proved his quickness. A mailed fist shot out to seize her wrist and he showed another skill. Strength.
    Strength she'd never known a human could possess.
    He swung her around like she weighed nothing. She had no time to lash out with her foot. Or to slash at his arm with Fulci's Last Joke . She had time only to widen her eyes as she caught sight of the thick trunk rearing out of the snow studded earth.
    No time to even brace