Read Online Keepers of the Lost Garden (The Lost Garden Trilogy Book 2) by K.T. Tomb - Free Book Online

was an amazing leader and soldier several decades ago, but I will not stand beside someone who can’t even stand!” Her belief that the mission would succeed was now in serious doubt.
    Alexey’s instinct was to jump to the defense of the battle-weary Iranian.
    The military leader stood up straight, in spite of a spinal cord injury. The pride of the soldier that Sharif was came shining through to all who stood near him.
    Sharif’s pained expression as he limped toward Sulna spoke volumes to Alexey of why he dealt with him in the first place.
    Despite Sharif’s ruthlessness and fierceness…he had honor.
    Sharif was much shorter than Sulna, which made his confrontation that much more impressive.
    Sharif clenched his teeth as a single drop of sweat ran down his forehead. He gagged as the smell that emanated from Sulna nearly made him vomit. He breathed through his mouth and stood tall. “I am a decorated soldier with more earned respect than you will ever receive. Despite my experience, I won’t be joining you. My men will be under another’s leadership.”
    Sulna looked pleased and confused at the same time. “I take it that I shall lead your men.”
    Sharif laughed. “No. My men will take no orders from a woman.”
    Sulna scoffed at the sexist remark.
    He should be so lucky to have a woman, especially her, lead his forces!
    “Who then, is this born leader who will guide us to the Mountain of God? Show me this man among men that is a more qualified warrior than I!”
    Sharif backed away due to the horrible stench that surrounded Sulna. Two soldiers helped the colonel back to the lead vehicle. He leaned up against the front.
    Alexey walked up to Sulna and winked at her.
    “I believe that would be me.”
     
    * * *
     
    Colonel Sharif had just finished explaining the specifications of the twenty-seven Neynava trucks that he’d brought for use in the war against Eden. The two-and-a-half ton 4X4 military vehicles were packed with supplies, weapons, ammunition, and soldiers.
    Sharif smiled at Alexey. “Let me discuss the inventory that you are now in control of, while your associate inspects the cargo.”
    Sulna didn’t like the term, associate, applied to her.
    Without her, there was no mission!
    Only she knew of the secret entrance to Eden!
    She knew she still needed Alexey…at least, for a little while longer. She would eliminate him only after he had helped her defeat the Daughters of Eve.
    And only then.
    She smiled and started to walk down the line of trucks, leaving Alexey alone with Sharif.
    Sharif kept watch as the putrid smell faded after the Amazon made her way along the line of vehicles.
    Sharif’s enthusiasm perked up. “Alexey. I don’t like this ally of yours.”
    “She is a means to an end, Colonel. I would never walk into any situation without a way out. You know, some would say that my partnership with you is suspect. I would also like to remind you that you are a paid employee.”
    Sharif nodded in agreement as he handed Alexey a folder. “This is the itemized list of supplies and handheld weapons I have included with the trucks. From what you tell me, the trucks will not be able to make it to your final destination. I added a few things to make your life easier when you get to where you are going.”
    Alexey leafed through the folder of weaponry and supplies. His heart stopped when he reached the pages of information that Sharif mentioned.
    Alexey looked up and scanned the line of trucks.
    “No, Alexey. They are not here. Your contact is on the main sheet of information. He will meet you in Tabriz.”
    For the first time, Alexey panicked. “Are you insane? The Iranian army will kill you for giving me these!”
    Sharif put one hand on Alexey’s shoulder. His expression was one of contentment.
    “Alexey. Look at what I have brought you. Do you not think that they are already upset? What are one or two more items?”
    Alexey understood.
    Sharif had no plans of surviving.
    “Colonel Sharif,