Free Ashar'an Rising (Nexus Wars Saga) by Robert Day Page B

mind since the night of Llewellyn's death. A feeling of dread clutched at her, weakening her legs as she guessed at the real reason behind this attack. She had believed Hagar returned to his homeland after the unsuccessful tournament, but it seemed he still held hopes of having her.
    But what would happen to the others? She turned to Tyrun and Andrak, and saw they were still surrounded by dark swordsman. By the dim firelight she could see that both were bleeding, but two dark bodies lay still at their feet. Tyrun appeared outraged as he tried to break free and come to the aid of the unprotected Ka'Varel, but the swordsmen cut him off at each attempt, though they were careful of his flashing battleaxe.
    With renewed determination she struggled against Hagar's grip, almost sure he would not harm her. His grip was firm, however, and he easily restrained her before spinning her away from him, straight into the arms of another dark figure, who just as easily forced her arms behind her back. She felt metal encircle her wrists, and then two soft clicks as the cuffs locked. She jerked her arms as the figure released her, but she could not break the shackles. The figure grabbed the metal chain connecting the two and pulled her back towards him.
    “ Your destiny is with me, Princess,” hissed Hagar, hefting his sword. He paused briefly, his face hidden by his cowl. Suddenly a flickering of light ran along his dark blade, a blue iridescence that sparked like lightning. Turning to Ka'Varel, Hagar thrust at the old man's open chest, and as Kitara screamed, the enchanted weapon pierced what remained of the invisible barrier with a steely hiss and passed into flesh.
    Tears came to Kitara's eyes as Ka'Varel slumped forward off the log, freed from whatever had him paralyzed, and as she watched, a dark pool of blood began to seep through the grass, ever-growing.
    A piercing whistle cut across the glade as Tyrun bellowed furiously at the sight of Ka'Varel’s demise. Kitara turned as the big man literally rammed his way through the dark swordsman, using his axe like a scythe to keep them away. One was not so lucky and was almost split in half as the wicked axe sliced into his side, and unluckily for Tyrun become embedded. The barbarian had to jerk the weapon free, but as he did, one of the swordsmen stepped forward and struck at his unprotected side.
    If the big man showed any pain as the sword pierced his side, there was no evidence as he spun and punched the swordsman, the force of the blow sending the man flying backwards. He landed and was still, his head twisted in an inhuman position.
    Hands grabbed at Kitara and she was lifted onto a figure's shoulder, losing sight of Andrak and the barbarian momentarily. Twisting her head to look again, she saw Tyrun pressing through the remaining dark figures, charging towards Hagar.
    Hagar waited, standing above Ka'Varel with his sword held at the ready. Not even the sight of the charging barbarian intimidated him, and Kitara wondered if he invited the confrontation.
    The shrill whistle sounded again, twice, and the figures battling Andrak dropped off, the Prince slumping to one knee as they did so, clutching at a dagger in his side and Kitara screamed his name, though he seemed not to hear. Hagar also turned, hesitating momentarily before he too ran after the others.
    Kitara struggled as she was carried away, but there was no freeing herself. She continued to scream and shout, but a gag was roughly placed over her mouth, and then a thin hood, obscuring her vision.
    “ Let us be away from here, and quickly,” commanded one of the figures. Kitara felt herself passed to another as they started off, unceremoniously tossed over the figure’s shoulder. Her weight did not seem to affect him as he ran with smooth, effortless paces.
    Emotion and shock overwhelmed her as her thoughts drifted back to the camp. Tears came unbidden and her body shook with racking sobs as she pictured Ka'Varel: dead, or at