Read Online The White Assassin by Hilary Wagner - Free Book Online Page A

horde would soon be on their way north to Trillium City—to Nightshade. The thought of his wild horde swarming through the dark tunnels of Juniper’s city, flooding every hidden corridor, butchering his precious Nightshade rats made Billycan’s body quake with excitement. He would once again march through the cool underground corridors beneath Trillium City. He’d be feared and respected, in command once more.
    As he stood resolutely on the porch, his devotees gazed up at him, all eyes glazed with pure adoration. Billycan sniffed the night air with his crooked snout, taking in every nuance of the boar’s peppery aroma. He smiled slyly at his flock of drooling zealots. He held out his lanky arms as if beholding a grand event. He shouted into the mass of firelit eyes, “Let the feast begin!” The horde went mad, cramming themselves against each other, parting down the center so their lord and master could make his way down the stairs to take his seat at the head of the feast, a white silhouette against a sea of muddled brown.
    One at each side, Oleander and Mannux stood firmly next to Carn. Suddenly Carn stopped as Billycan came into full view, now only steps away. He looked taller, if that were possible. Even his yellowed teeth seemed sharper. His frame appeared meatier; thick muscle clung to his bones. Carn clutched his chest with both paws, wringing his skin into knots. His insides twisted and gurgled. He leaned on Mannux, who kept pushing him forward, though his body grew heavier with every step.
    Oleander grinned blithely at Thicket and Stono, giggling as she whispered softly in Carn’s ear. “Remember,” she said. “Remember what Billycan put you through—what he did to your family. That is your strength. You cannot let your fear win. You cannot let him win.” She turned to Thicket and winked demurely. She wiggled her nose in anticipation, as if this were the proudest moment of her life, on the arm of Billycan’s strong new fighter, Corn the snake killer.
    Overcome with delight, Thicket suddenly jumped wildly, ready to show off her new friend. “C’mon, you all be walking too slow!” she exclaimed, pushing Oleander’s shoulders. Tilting her head, she smiled curiously at Carn. “Corn, why you be so quiet? Ain’t you happy?” Carn, trapped in his own torment, did not acknowledge her.
    “Corn!” Mannux snapped. “Answer Thicket, she be waiting on you.” The old rat prodded him sharply with a strong elbow to the ribs. Mannux wouldn’t allow anyone to wilt in fright. Carn jerked in response, startled out of his near catatonic daze.
    He looked up into the night sky. The bats circled silently overhead. He turned his gaze to the roof of the manor. Two rats sat in the shadows on a gable, waiting—watching. He recognized Ragan and Ulrich. The Council had arrived. At that moment, Carn made his decision. Too many lives were at stake. He could not let them down.The Saints’ teachings spoke of pivotal moments in the lives of all creatures. This was one of those moments.
    If he was marching to his death, then he would march proudly. He would not drag himself like a sopping washrag to an early grave. “Sorry, Thicket,” he said with sudden energy. “I just be jumpy. You know, meeting Billycan and all.”
    Thicket smiled sweetly. “Aw, Corn, Billycan gonna like you fine. Me and Stono just know it.”
    His seconds standing behind him, Billycan lounged atop a faded cushion, facing the eyeless head of the boar. After their lord had taken his place, the rest of the horde crowded around the boar, scrambling and pushing to find a good seat close to the sizzling carcass.
    Billycan watched the horde fumble to their places. He snapped two rangy digits, commanding his seconds’ attention. “Where is this so-called snake killer?”
    Cobweb leaned down. “He’s coming, sir,” he replied. “Stono and Thicket are bringing him, along with Oleander, his companion, and her father, Mannux.”
    “Ah, Oleander,” said