Free The Library - The Complete Series by Amy Cross

marble in a bag while she walks. Besides, just before I knocked her unconscious, I saw something of particular interest in her eyes; I have faced humans before, but I have never seen one who looked so alive and intelligent. It is almost a shame to contemplate the fact that she must die soon. I only hope that her meat will be tender.
    For now, however, I must ensure that she regains consciousness. The desire to rip her apart and consume her flesh is strong, but I am forcing myself to wait. Human meat begins to degrade from the moment of death, and I want her to be fresh when I reach the Citadel. The journey will take a week, so I have decided to keep her alive and make her walk with me. This way, when I finally gather the guests for the great feast, I can cut the human down in front of them all. From the moment of her death to the arrival of her meat on the grill, there must be as short a gap as possible. She will live a little while longer, then, even if her ultimate fate is sealed.
    "Wake up," I say, kicking Sharpe in the back of the head. I left him here to keep an eye on the human while I went to fetch Gum; he has failed even in this task, and it is purely a matter of luck that the human did not wake up and try to run away.
    "Is she still sleeping?" Sharpe asks, rubbing his eyes.
    I nod.
    "What are you going to do when she awakens?"
    "I am going to inform her of our impending journey to the Citadel," I reply. "What else would I do?"
    "Under what pretense?"
    "Pretense?"
    "Are you going to tell her the truth?" he asks. "Are you going to tell her that you want to eat her, and that she has to walk right up to your grill?"
    "She should be honored to learn that she will be part of my great banquet," I say. "Even a lowly human must surely recognize that this is an important role to play."
    "Still," he says, "I doubt she'll be too enthusiastic."
    Sighing, I realize that Sharpe might be right. There is certainly a risk that the human would decline to be eaten, in which case I shall have to tie her up and drag her all the way. The problem with that approach, though, is that it might risk making her meat a little more coarse and tough that I would prefer; it would undoubtedly be preferable if she were to walk as we travel to the Citadel.
    "Relax," Sharpe says, patting my thigh. "You'll think of something. Big old smart guy like you." He pauses for a moment. "Actually, I was thinking I might come to the Citadel with you."
    "You?" I look down at him. "Do you believe a lowly creature such as yourself would even be granted passage through the gate?"
    "I believe the Citadel is in such a state of disrepair that no-one will give a damn," he replies. "I've heard the stories. They say the Citadel is little more than a set of ruins. I met a Golv recently who'd been there, and he said the place was the preserve of shadows. Even the Forbidders have apparently deserted the place and -"
    He stops as, in the distance, some unseen creature howls and gurgles his rage at the moon.
    "Didn't that sound a little too close?" Sharpe asks.
    "It was miles away," I reply.
    "Exactly," he continues. "When something has such a loud howl, I'd prefer it to be leagues away, rather than mere miles."
    "Then you're a coward," I mutter. "Whatever that creature is, it's too far away to hurt us. It must be beyond the angel."
    "Are you sure? It sounded less distant than the others." He pauses for a moment, clearly gripped by fear. "You're probably right. Still, I'd hate to run into something like that, especially in the dark."
    "What is your business at the Citadel?" I ask.
    "My business? Oh, I have no business. I merely wish to make the journey with you, Vanguard, and see the place for myself. It's probably my only opportunity."
    I stare at him. Thomas J. Sharpe is a cowardly creature who prefers the easy life, so I fail to see why he would willingly ally himself with me for this journey. I can't help but think that there is some ulterior motive to his request.
    "You may