Warlord’s Return releases next week! Woot!
This week, I’m sharing the fourth and final scene in its first chapter.
You can read the first scene from the first chapter of Warlord’s Return here:
http://tasteofcyn.com/?p=7513
***
Even Kralj had a mate.
Dita, the Ruler’s tiny assassin female, sat beside the male. Her gaze was on them, her eyes bright with interest.
“Kralj, sir.” Second’s voice was edged with the respect the Ruler warranted.
“Chameles, Medic.” Those words seemed to come from everywhere. “There has been increased Humanoid Alliance activity on Carinae E. You will forgo your planned orbit of the planet and proceed directly to the Refuge.”
Ariq gaped at the male.
They had discussed that aerial tour briefly the previous planet rotation on the bridge, hadn’t told any other being about it, hadn’t communicated their plans through any other means.
“We will do as you suggest, sir.” Second nodded.
“It wasn’t a suggestion.” Kralj’s tone was dry. “You will allow your unexpected passenger to exit your ship first. You won’t give her any indication you are aware of her presence.”
“That will make the first task challenging.” Qulpa muttered that comment under his breath.
Ariq was more concerned about Lysagh’s well-being than the issue of when she left the ship. Kralj was a terrifying being, but Ariq wouldn’t allow that male or anyone else to hurt the girl. “If you harm her—”
The shadows swirling around Kralj’s face darkened menacingly. “You will do nothing. Because you can do nothing.”
Another wave of energy blasted Ariq. It was so strong he was flung back against his chair. Almost bone-breaking pressure pushed against his chest.
“He seeks to protect her, sir.” Dita placed one of her hands on Kralj’s arm. “He didn’t mean to disrespect you.”
The wall of wind flattening Ariq immediately dissipated.
He gasped air. His lungs, ribs, all of him, ached.
“The girl is under my protection.” Kralj astonished him with that admission. The number of beings fortunate to be under the Ruler’s protection were few.
Lysagh would be completely safe within the Refuge. Ariq relaxed. He didn’t know why the Kralj had granted her that status, but he was grateful for it.
“You will arrange for her to leave the ship first.” The Ruler demanded that of him.
Ariq dipped his head. “I will arrange it, sir.”
At least one of them would have an exciting visit to the Refuge.
“And you will lead the expedition to the clone community.” Kralj knew of those plans also. Seven-One wanted to speak with the Carinae E clones, learn how they reproduced without any degradation. “Seven-One, Yesun, Dialo, Vietor, and Jeden will accompany you and the guide.”
Son of a Gechii. Ariq struggled to keep his expression blank. Dialo, Vietor and Jeden were the sons of one of Kralj’s modified humanoids. Seven-One and Yesun had roughly the same maturity level as the winged triplets.
Ariq would be leading all youths.
That would be akin to aligning rock vultures in flight—an impossible and extremely frustrating venture. And there would be little opportunity to do anything other than keep them alive and out of trouble.
There would be no battles, no killing, no bloodshed for him.
“Kralj, sir.” Lead Medic’s forehead furrowed with thought lines. “I was hoping to join them, to see the cloning facilities, learn—”
“You are needed in the Refuge, Medic.” Kralj denied her request. “That is all.”
The main viewscreen reverted to the image of distant stars and the blackness of space.
Silence stretched.
“So that was Kralj.” Head of Ship and Weapons Design blew out her breath. “I now understand what you meant when you said he exuded power.” She touched her chest. “I’ve never felt anything like it.”
She hadn’t felt the full impact of the Ruler’s skills. Ariq hurt all over.
“He seemed to like Ariq.” Second’s eyes glowed with amusement.
“I would prefer if he liked me a little less.” Ariq lowered his voice, not trusting that the male couldn’t hear their conversation.
He sought a battle, not his own execution. Disrespecting the Ruler was a death sentence.
“I have a list of questions I want to ask the Carinae E clones.” Lead Medic slipped off Second’s lap. “Since you’ll be accompanying Seven-One, Ariq, I’ll share them with both of you.”
“Seven-One is the scientist.” Ariq had no interest in those matters. “Not I.”
Lead Medic met his gaze. “I’ll train you in what you need to know.” Her tone expressed that wasn’t open for discussion.
Ugh. Ariq rose to his booted feet.
He dreaded the upcoming expedition more and more with each passing moment.
***
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Warlord’s Return
Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.
He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.
* * *
Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t live without combat.
The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.
Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated mate.
Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.
She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.
* * *
Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warlord-s-return
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