Free Torn By War: 4 (The Death Wizard Chronicles) by Jim Melvin Page B

Bernard?”
    “Exactly!”
    “If you’re so convinced that Jivita will fall, why fight at all? You should gather your people—military and civilian—march to the ocean, and follow the coast to oblivion.”
    “I have ridden beyond the havens, beyond even the southern range of Kincara. There is nothing there but barren wastes more hostile than Barranca. As you well know, Torgon, escape is impossible. But I care naught. I welcome death. Ekadeva awaits with open arms.”
    “Tell me your dreams,” he repeated.
    “Are you asking if Ekadeva speaks to me while I sleep? Let me guess: You’ve been to Boulogne’s and met with Burly.”
    “You’ve always been clever.”
    “But not clever enough. Or beautiful enough. Or sexy enough.”
    “Why does everything always have to be about your shortcomings? I didn’t reject your overtures because you’re not worthy of me. I had my own reasons.”
    Rajinii leaned forward in her saddle. “Why do you ask about my dreams? Is my recent behavior unworthy of a queen?”
    “The times are dire, but pessimism is unlike you. You have changed. And I’m concerned that Invictus might be playing a role. I believe he watches the city—and especially you—from afar.”
    “Let me guess: You believe he does more than watch, that he has somehow poisoned my mind.”
    “I wish to lay my hands on you.”
    “ Torgon , really! What kind of lady do you think I am?”
    “You know what I mean.”
    “And if I refuse?”
    “I will not force you.”
    “Ahhh, too bad. I was hoping you would.”
    Torg’s expression remained stern.
    “Where’s your sense of humor, Torgon ?” Rajinii finally said. “Has Laylah stolen it?”
    “Not Laylah . . . her brother.”
    “I see your point. All right, I’ll allow it. Where should this blessed event occur?”
    “Your chambers will do. But there’s something else you might not like. I want Laylah to be with us.”
    “To make sure that you and I don’t misbehave?”
    “She has formidable powers of her own.”
    “Hmmmm . . . If I’m to agree to this, I wish to choose a fourth.”
    “Manta?”
    “No. I want Sir Elu at my side.”
    Torg grunted. “There’s one thing about you that hasn’t changed. You’re always looking for ways to cause trouble.”
    BY THE TIME they had ridden back to the palace and summoned Laylah and Elu, it was almost midnight. The queen ordered her henchmen to leave the royal chambers, though they shuffled out suspiciously. Manta made a big show of distrust, questioning Torg’s intent. The queen finally lost her patience and shouted at the necromancer to mind her own business.
    Torg could see that Laylah was uncomfortable in the royal chambers, and Elu had been woken from sleep and was disheveled. With her keen eyes, Rajinii noted all of this—and was quick to comment.
    “Do you like my accommodations, Laylah?” the queen said slyly. “I designed them with The Torgon in mind. Everything’s larger than life.”
    “It’s the most beautiful bedroom I’ve ever seen,” Laylah said softly. “But it must be lonely in here, all by yourself. You should choose a husband to share it with you. There must be thousands of available bachelors in Jivita.”
    “Hmmph,” the queen said. “You’re no fun. How about you, Sir Elu? An important event is about to occur. Would it trouble you too much to rub the sleep from your eyes?”
    “Elu is sorry, your highness.”
    Then he yawned, causing Rajinii to giggle.
    “Maybe he’s the man to share my chambers,” she said.
    “You could do worse,” Laylah said.
    Before they began, there was a loud pounding on the door. All of them recognized the voice of General Navarese.
    “He is annoying, at times,” Rajinii said to the others. “But it’s difficult to find good help these days. Would you have me turn him away?”
    “Let him in,” Torg said. “But only him.”
    The general’s youthful face was as red as a dragon scale. “Your highness, with all due respect, I question