The FlameKeeper - Kaz Brekker

CH.06 - pathetic skiv

(GIF ISN'T MINE, CREDIT TO THE MAKER!)

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Matthias lunged for Brekker the minute Sabo had closed the door behind her. Kaz had slipped away easily and smacked him to the ground.

When Matthias tried to get up again Kaz kicked him.

He flipped his cane and pressed the carved crow's head against Helvar's throat. 'Move again and I'll smash your jaw so badly you'll be drinking your meals for the rest of your life.'

'Demjin.' Matthias cursed. 'Why did you pay the guards to keep my name out of the rooster?'

Kaz narrowed his eyes at him. 'Who told you that?'

'Does it matter?' Matthias spat, his accent heavy. 'Did Nina ask you to do that? So I couldn't get privileges at the prison?'

'Matter of fact she did,' Kaz replied as he observed the Fjerdan. 'To protect you.'

'Protect me?' Matthias snarled. 'You really think Nina is on your side? They never are. Those witches will betray you every chance they get.'

Kaz pushed down his cane. 'Who told you?' he asked again.

'Pekka Rollins.' Matthias sneered. 'And he told me all about you.'

'And what is that?' Kaz asked him with the same bored expression he always wore.

'That you wronged him and you'll pay for it.' Matthias replied.

'And you're here to deliver the message?' Kaz asked with narrowed eyes.

'No,' Matthias cursed. 'I don't care about Pekka, I'm here to kill Zenik.'

Kaz lifted his cane. 'Then wait until we finish the job, Helvar. We'll be needing both of you.'

Matthias was about to lunge at him again, but Kaz had anticipated it, taking Matthias out in seconds. Matthias landed on his back again.

'You think a year in Hellgate with Pekka Rollins hardened you up? Taught you to fight? You move like an ox - you'd last about two days on the streets where I grew up.' Kaz raged. 'This is your one free pass, Helvar. Don't test me again. Nod so I know you understand.'

Matthias pressed his lips together and nodded once.

'Good, I think we'll shackle those feet tonight.' Kaz rose and gave the Fjerdan one last kick to the kidneys for good measure.

Matthias was still lying on the floor once Kaz closed the door behind him.

Hellgate had always been loud.

Now, as Matthias was lying in silence for the first time in a year, he could still hear the other prisoners.

After Demyan, his former cellmate, had been killed by Pekka Rollins, Pekka had become his new cellmate. Pekka was a talker, he soon realized.

Matthias knew all there was about the crew he just joined. But in particular, he knew all about Kaz Brekker.

Matthias had never talked much to Pekka even though he was his cellmate. But he remembered one conversation quite clearly.

'All that pent-up rage you're feeling,' Pekka spoke as he observed Matthias. 'Come and see me when you're ready to let it fly and I will get you what you lost.' Pekka had said in the evening he was let go.

'And what is that?' Matthias asked.

'Purpose.'

Matthias had lost his purpose the night Arabella Opjer had been killed by another drüskelle in self-defense.