Free The Blood Eagle in the Big Easy by K. A. Lange

lives over your pride? Dear God Leonard you are pathetic. With ever increasing repetition you demonstrate that you are nothing more than an over indulged child!”
    Leonard turned a sickly shade of green and white as his face twitched uncontrollably. “You overestimate your worth Viktor! Now that this chapter of your life has come back to haunt you everyone else will see you for who you are, a small insignificant manling with visions of grandeur.”  He shook with anger as his voice came out seething with hatred and dripping bile as he spoke. “You have no place here and I am hereby withdrawing the court’s official support! Let’s see how well you do without us at your beckon call. As is my right as the Gatekeeper I hereby declare Viktor Engel Warden persona non grata. No official support shall be given in this matter and anyone who wishes to challenge my authority will be brought before Comus for summary judgement! Am I clear?”
    The room went silent for a moment, then a very sultry laugh came from the Queen of the Nine Muses cutting through the stillness like a bullhorn. Her long red hair flowed around her face as if it were alive with wind as she tossed her head back laughing. When she got to her feet, all five feet three inches of her, her face lost all of its humor as she caught Leonard in her gaze.
    “Little man, make whatever proclamation you wish!” She paused to brush her hair over her shoulder for dramatic effect. “You only think you wield the power of Comus!” She sneered at him as she spoke. “You are the most reprehensible Gatekeeper in the history of the courts!” She seethed. “Bring me before Comus!” She held her delicate wrists out daring anyone to try and slap her in irons. Thankfully no one was dumb enough to take the bait. “You don’t have the balls for it you spineless sack of shit!”
    Looking around the room to ensure she made her point she finally leaned forward putting her hands on the desk giving those of us in the front row an excellent view of her feminine form. “Officially or not, I’m sure Viktor will receive whatever help he needs. It isn’t as if ‘you’ could stop any of us!” Sitting back in her chair all prim and proper she gave him one last insult. “What are you going to do, march the entire conclave before Comus? It is you who overestimate your worth!”
    Leonard again stamped his foot and clenched his fists as he slammed them down onto his desk. “I commanded you to stand down and leave Viktor to his own devices or you will all pay!”
    As I mentioned earlier Leonard doesn’t care for me in the least. I believe that if I were on fire and he had water, he would drink it! Raising my hand I whistled to get everyone’s attention before giving Leonard a quick wink. “Not to worry Leonard I’ll help you out here” He started to stand but quickly fell back as I advanced on his position. “My offices are open for anyone who needs my help. Otherwise please do not jeopardize yourself on my account.” As I headed for the exit I turned to Leonard giving him a wicked little smile. “Oh, and Leonard, I look forward to our meeting with Comus.” “I don’t think it will turn out the way you would like.”  As I turned to leave the room I gave him the finger, just for shits and giggles. “Oh, not to worry Leonard I am on my way out of the building now.”
    As the door closed I heard voices from the room explode with furious accusations, almost running over Nathan as I made my exit. He and three of his guards had escorted Gregory off the third floor. “Wow do you ever know how to piss someone off!” Nathan observed, shaking his head as he took the stairs two at a time. “You two need to get the hell out of here before he decides to have you arrested.”
    I nodded at Gregory asking. “You alright?”
    Gregory was obviously confused as to what was going on but tried to hide it. “I am not sure what the hell happened back there but I am suspecting it isn’t