Read Online Champions of the Apocalypse by Michael G. Thomas - Free Book Online

them mounted on a large horse, and carrying long spears. They moved slowly around the group, checking both on those inside and outside the perimeter. Synne watched them but deep down knew she could never outrun a horse and those riders looked like they knew what they were doing. Her head hurt enough as it was, the last thing she needed was a spear in her back. A dark skinned man with a scar running from his forehead down to his jaw stepped forward. He was flanked by two equally tough looking Raiders. Each man carried a curved blade on his side and one carried some form of firearm or folding crossbow in a sheath on his back.
    “I am Khan, leader of this clan. You are here because you are weak and because we are not. We are not far from the market now where we will move you on to our camps. Some will have the option to volunteer to join our fine warriors, others will be taken to the mines to work. Whoever is left will be traded with the slavers, perhaps for something more useful,” he said with a laugh as he walked along the line.
    As he moved, the other two guards moved along the group, checking each of the prisoners and determining where they would go. They pulled out the odd person, usually the ones that looked the tallest or strongest.
    “In time you will find our clan offers safety in numbers and strength, of which we have much of both. If you try to not follow orders, you will be punished. If anybody tries to leave they will be executed, on the spot. Understood?” he asked, as he stopped.
    “Now, who wants to volunteer to join our warriors?” he asked with a smirk.
    The two guards started pushing men and the occasional woman to the front, though a few struggled and tried to stay where they were. One man pushed back the guard as he tried to move him.
    “Stop!” barked Khan.
    He marched forward and stopped in front of the troublesome man.
    “What is your name?” he demanded.
    The terrified looking man muttered something.
    “Speak up!”
    “Uh, my name is Mathew,” he finally spurted out.
    “Mathew, why do you recoil from our warriors. Are they not good enough for you?” he shouted.
    The man made to say something, but a signal from Khan was followed by a staff being struck across the back of his legs. He dropped down to his knees, crying in pain and humiliation.
    “You’re pathetic. We have a mine that is perfect for you to work in, well, perfect until you die!” he shouted as he swung his fist and struck the man in the temple.
    Mathew collapsed to the ground unconscious.
    “As you can see, we give you simple choices. Respect them and you will be treated fairly,” he said.
    Khan moved along the line and stopped at Synne. He looked at her for a moment, looking confused.
    “What is your name?” he demanded.
    “Jane,” replied Synne.
    “She is from the party handed over last night,” explained one of the guards.
    Khan reached out and examined her hands.
    “You’re not a labourer are you? Who are you?”
    “I worked in the library of Lord Galan, until you Raiders murdered him!” she said, though she was evidently trying hard to stay in control.
    “I murdered him? Ah, of course,” he answered with a smile.
    “You will be pleased to know then that the House of Galan is no more. Its lands have been forfeited to be split between the League and the Brotherhood, apparently,” he added.
    “I think the military would be perfect for you, don’t you think?” he asked.
    Synne made to speak but she was instantly punched hard in the stomach, she dropped down, retching from the pain.
    “Don’t think, don’t speak, just obey and you will live!” barked Khan.
    One of the guards started laughing as he pushed out two more prisoners to the front. Synne noticed Jonas was also at the front. He looked over to Synne, signalling with his face as to whether now was the time to do something. Synne turned her head, it was far too dangerous just yet. She moved her eyes up so Jonas could follow her gaze and spot the