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I hardly slow the hestrinn as I call out my orders. “Helga and Leif, double back to the castle to make sure there’s nothing we’ve missed. Gunnar, with me.” They’re all solid fighters, but he trains the most with me.
The three nod as one, and I prod Gideon into full speed once more. While we ride, I rack my brain for everything I know, seeing Odger’s fury at losing his holdings, the way he called the alchemistold friend,the look they had exchanged before he left my council room, and even the way that all roads have led neatly back to the weaselly lord.
Whether Dvain bribed Odger into being an unwitting scapegoat, I know in my bones that he is behind this.
Zaina is on her way to the alchemist’s house.
Chapter Sixty
Einar
Gideon sails through the mountain passes, his feet barely touching the ground. I stop to walk him past the dragon’s cave, but he more than makes up for the time with his relentless speed.
Once the imposing black mansion comes into view, I leap from the hestrinn and fly straight to the front door. Gunnar will be along soon, and there’s no sense in giving them time to hide.
Two familiar voices are on the other side of the solid wood. I don’t bother knocking before taking my axe to the door handle and kicking the blasted thing in.
White-hot anger rolls through my veins. Heads will roll until I know Zaina is safe, no matter how many corpses I have to leave in my wake.
Dvain and Odger practically jump out of their skin as I burst into the main room. I shake my head at the sight of the two of them together while a low, humorless laugh escapes me.
Of course, they were in this together. The two worst men I’ve had the dishonor of knowing. I should never have allowed Dvain to leave yesterday. I shouldn’t have expected to have more time to deal him the death he deserves before he made things worse.
“My boy, what brings you here at this hour?” Dvain’s cowardly voice grates on my ears. For the briefest of seconds, I picture what his blood will look like when I sever his head from his shoulders.
I blink the image away and force myself to ask the important questions first.
“Where is she?” I demand, my knuckles going white around my axe handle.
There is no time for games or subtleties. He has seen my hand, and I have seen his. His actions have already earned him a death sentence. Even on the off chance he isn’t involved in her disappearance, he won’t last the night.
And neither will the traitorous snake standing next to him.
Odger attempts to stand up straighter, his mouth opening as if he actually has something relevant to say. Then, his fingers twitch near his belt, toward the sword that is sheathed there.
Oh, please go for a weapon...
He barely has time to grip the hilt of his blade before I hurl my axe through the air, and it lands squarely in his chest.
His body slides down the wall as he lets out a strangled cry, his hands curling up toward the handle.
“I should have killed you long ago,” I say calmly. “But at least the world is rid of you now.”
Odger’s mouth moves, but there is no sound. A second later, his hands drop to his sides, and the life leaves his eyes. I square my shoulders, content that one less dishonorable vulture walks the planet.
From the corner of my eye, I see Dvain attempting to retreat into one of the halls. I round on him.
“I asked you a question,” I grit out through clenched teeth. “Where is Zaina?”
He continues backing away while Khijhana paces menacingly in front of him, her silver fur standing on end as she bares her metallic fangs. The chalyx is easily as tall as his cowering form, and her fury is a terrifying sight to behold. Her mouth is open, her lips pulled back over sharp teeth. She’s just as eager to spill his blood as I am.
“I am confused, My King, who--”
I let out a guttural roar, unsheathing the sword at my waist while Khijhana leaps at the disgusting traitor. He looks like he might soil himself as she pins him to the wall, sharp silver claws digging into his skin. She shows remarkable restraint from there, almost as if she knows we need him alive.
“If I have to ask you again, I will make sure to give you the slowest, most agonizing and humiliating death you can imagine.” I take a breath. “But if you answer me now, you will meet your grave quicker, if not less painfully.”
Khijhana is growling, her teeth bared near the bastard's face as he nods like the coward he is.
