Free Chasing the Dragon by Jason Halstead Page B

open doorway. "Lord Alto, you honor me with your presence."
    "Then you may honor me with giving me word of my sister," Alto tried after clearing his throat.
    "But my lord, I've only sent a messenger this morning . It will take days to get word there and back, perhaps longer," Jakar said. He moved past Alto to the table and sat down. "Come, sit. You sound parched. Drink with me."
    Alto moved and sat on the couch opposite Jakar's. The aid e reached for the jug and filled both glasses, and then pushed one towards his guest. Alto took it and stared at it, and then waited for Jakar to raise his and drink from it. Satisfied, Alto sipped at the water and gasped. It had a flavor to it that surprised him, a hint of orange and pineapple. He drank again, taking it deeply and finishing the cup before he set it down.
    "Ah ha, I was right. Heat is a dangerous thing, my young lord. Please drink heavily while you are here or you will find you can no longer sweat. This is the beginning of the end, for your body will overheat and dry out soon."
    Alto nodded but did not move to take the second glass Jakar poured for him. "We were attacked last night," Alto said.
    Jakar jerked his head up and stared at him. "Attacked?" he echoed.
    "Yes, three men," Alto said. "We killed them, but not before they poisoned Lady Patrina."
    Jakar's eyes widened. "Oh my. This is terrible."
    "She sleeps while we search for a cure to the poison," Alto continued, watching Jakar carefully. "My wizard believes he knows where to get it."
    Jakar nodded. "Good. I'm amazed . I've heard that the poisons the Stalkers use have no cure."
    Alto leaned over a bit and said in a slurred voice, "I never said the Stalkers were the ones who attacked us."
    Jakar stood and looked at Alto. He shook his head. "Come now, even a full glass of that juice isn't enough to do that to you."
    Alto looked at Jakar's cup and saw that it was still full. Had the man taken a sip or had he only pretended to? "Poisoned last night," Alto mumbled.
    "Oh really?" Jakara paused and stared at him. He nodded. "That makes more sense then. But what shall I do with your friends? Kill them, of course, but how?"
    Alto shook his head. "Leave. Them. Alone," he managed to say.
    "We can't leave them alone. We were ordered to kill your family and friends. Everyone who means something to you. Ideally you're supposed to remain alive while all this happens, but we've learned that you're a very dangerous man. Killing you is the only safe way to be sure. I thought you should know that your friends will suffer as well."
    Alto stared at the cup in front of him. "Poisoned?"
    Jakar laughed. "Of course, you stupid farmer! You'd need to drink the entire jug to kill yourself, though. A glass will slow you and cripple you enough."
    "Enough?"
    "Yes, enough. Adamis, Sefano, come and take care of our guest, please. And try not to ruin any of the carpets," Jakar said as he rose up.
    Alto turned as Jakar walked around the couches towards the door. He fell off the couch but managed to catch himself with his hand so he only went to his knees. "Wait!" Alto said. "Sulim? Caitlyn?"
    Jakar smirked and shook his head. "Those fools are in the mountains. Your sister is being taught where her loyalties should lie. In due time, both will serve their purpose, as will you serve yours now by dying."
    Jakar glanced at the two burly warriors that moved past him. "He's all yours," Jakar said. The aid e turned and exited the room, moving quickly so as to be elsewhere when news reached him of Alto's death.
    Alto grimaced as a cramp in his stomach stole his breath from him. He straightened after it passed and watched the two men come closer to him. Both had a hand on the hilts of their scimitars. They both came around opposite ends of the couch, the man on the left reaching for Alto while the man on his right cleared the end.
    Alto leapt to his feet and ripped his sword free of his scabbard, slicing the large man on the left from abdomen to shoulder with his