Read Online Storm and Steel by Jon Sprunk - Free Book Online

an order in our name at once, pronouncing death for anyone who harbors or aids the rebellion.”
    Horace frowned. Such an order would be a death sentence for Alyra and her associates, as well as, he suspected, thousands of Akeshian commoners. It would begin a persecution that could last months or years. Not unlike what the Great Crusade intends for this empire. She doesn't understand what she's asking me to do.
    Byleth stood up. “If you are going to remain in Erugash, you will obey our commands. Or you will face our displeasure.”
    Defeated, he bowed his head. “As you wish, Excellence.”
    As she left the room, Byleth called over her shoulder. “Rest well, Lord Horace. We depart for home in the morning.”

    The beauty of the villa gardens was haunting by night, when the darkness blurred the outlines of blossom and leaf, and their lush fragrances rode the cool breezes. Alyra walked the narrow paths between the bowers with quick steps, down to the western edge where many secluded nooks and niches could be found. Her ears strained at every turn, half-expecting to stumble upon illicit lovers in fierce embrace or, worse, cloaked conspirators hatching nefarious schemes. But the luck of the Silver Lady was with her, delivering her without incident to the spot of her own secret assignation.
    She found Sefkahet standing by a pond. Moonlight reflected off the still waters, bathing the woman in silver luminance. Alyra cleared her throat, and Sefkahet turned. Then she smiled. “I'm glad you reached out to me.”
    Alyra came over and stood beside her, both of them looking down into the brilliant surface. “I'm sorry we haven't spoken in so long.”
    â€œDon't worry, Alyra.” Sef bent down closer. “I'm the one who knows you best. Now, are you going to kiss me, or do I have to beg?”
    Alyra was too distracted to really want it, but she hadn't seen her friend and confidant in weeks. So she allowed Sef to lean in for a kiss. After a few seconds, she pulled back. Sef ran her fingers up and down Alyra's arm. “I've missed you. I won't ask where you've been, but I'm glad you're back. Please say you can stay for a bit.”
    â€œFor a short while. I needed to see you.”
    â€œI like how you say that.”
    Alyra moved sideways to avoid another kiss. “Not for that, Sef. I need to talk.”
    The other woman stepped back and composed herself in a flash. “All right. You got my attention, Alyra. What's wrong?”
    â€œI've been investigating the massacre at the Chapter House.”
    Sef's eyes widened. “In Erugash? Alyra, you shouldn't be poking around in that. The queen was livid when the news reached us. If she ever found out—”
    â€œI've been careful. Trust me on that. But have you heard any details on the murders of the Order brethren?”
    â€œJust a few things through the network. Every member of the house was killed in a single night. Sentries outside heard strange noises, but nothing to suggest a battle was being fought within the fortress until the Queen's Guard forced an entry and found the bodies.”
    â€œI've seen the bodies.”
    The revelation poured out of her, unleashed by the mountain of anxiety that had been weighing her down for the past fortnight. “They were ripped apart as if a pack of wild beasts had torn into them. But not with teeth or claws.”
    â€œWeapons,” Sef said. “Knives and pinchers, perhaps.”
    Alyra shook her head and looked back down at the pond. “No. Nothing made by human hands could've caused the wounds I saw.”
    â€œYou mean it was sorcery. But Alyra, most of the queen's court was here with us when the attack happened.”
    â€œIndeed. And outside the court, what other group in Erugash has the power to slaughter dozens of men, most of them sorcerers to boot, without the neighbors noticing?”
    Sef shook her head slowly, her recently won composure falling away to