Soul of Furies (Book Three)

Chapter 21: Friend

General POV

Eret remains completely still as he watches Alrek settle back in his throne. The overlord looks incredibly amused by the fight that just happened, albeit he still looks put off by the sight of Thora's necklace. Eret lowers his head, his knuckles turning white around his spear, his eyes flickering over the floor.

They widen a tiny bit when he notices a blue gem glinting on the floor, a broken black chain surrounding it. He clears his throat and casts his attention to his chief.

"Sir?" he asks. Alrek looks up, making him point. "Your necklace."

"That isn't mine," he says dismissively, his fingers reaching up to brush the base of his neck. His brow furrows as he notices an absence of his jewel. "Oh...bring it to me, Eret."

Eret nods, scurrying forwards and scooping it up. He examines the necklace, noting the broken chain again before turning to the throne. He walks closer, holding it out to his master.

"Sir, the chain is broken," he reports as the redhead takes the magic item back.

Alrek makes a disgusted noise in his throat. "Must've happened when that foolish madwoman yanked at it." He shakes his head and curls his lip further. "I will get the blacksmith to fix it."

"Very good, Lord Alrek," Eret says, bowing his head. "And...uh...what of the prisoner?"

"You did well telling me of her plan against me," he praises. "I did well to make you my captain of the guard."

Eret feels his heart swell with guilt. "Thank you..." he mumbles, refusing to show his face.

"No ill will, of course." Alrek smirks, showing how he really couldn't care less about the man's feelings. "After all, if you hadn't obeyed me, your friends would be..." He shrugs and makes his fingers squish together. Eret gulps. "We wouldn't want a repeat of what happened to your dear Ilia, now would we?"

Although rage and hatred towards Alrek flares up at the sound of her name, he again bows his head submissively and utters another thanks. "But...about my other question?" he asks.

"Thora? Tomorrow at dawn, she will be executed. I haven't decided whether to cut her down myself or let my demons tear the flesh from her bones."

"Isn't that a bit...harsh?" Eret asks, preparing for what his master might snap in response.

"We need to remind these people what will happen if they don't follow my orders," Alrek retorts, getting to his feet. He arches a bushy eyebrow as his nostrils flare with anger. "Remember, Eret?"

"Right, sir. I understand," he nearly squeaks.

"Very good," the chieftain says. "I'm going to the blacksmith to get this chain fixed. Think about getting home and resting. I need you ready for tomorrow's excitement."

Eret nods to his ruler, watching Alrek stand and stride from the hall to go on his errand. Eret follows after a short relaxation period, the chilly night air making him shiver just a bit. He heads down the steps, moving slower and slower every time as his thoughts wander back to the woman being held in the dungeon.

Movement flashes out of the corner of his eye as he reaches the bottom of the stairway. He turns and looks in its direction. Two clear blue eyes stare back at him; pure, dark fury blazing deep within them. The sheer amount of anger and hatred in them is terrifying, but at the same time, he recognizes them.