Queen’S Man: Paaerta Hunt

By AnnaMarieAlt

Queen Rejeena and her partner, Aarvan, are besieged by powerful enemies who seek to oust them from poweror worse. Standing together, they strive to triumph over the attacks and end the culture of cruel bigotry on the island of Kriiscon.

Rejeenas unprecedented new laws create intense upheaval. The laws oppose centuries of tradition, nullifying practices women consider to be their right. Other queens are furious; the great queen, outraged.

Aarvan invents his own problems. By interfering with the sport of a group of loose fellows who then turn their wrathful attention to him, he allows a huge mysterious creature to escape. The creaturepossibly the mythical glaaletrepays the queens man by biting his arm to the bone, leaving Aarvan shocked and with a lasting scar.

Meanwhile, to regain her control of the queens inner circle, Captain Shabet conspires to slay Aarvan. After several inexplicable assaults that occur against the man she loves, Rejeena begins to suffer serious, private doubts about her always-loyal captain.

The great queen demands a staff-level paaerta hunt, and Rejeena must attendan encounter to punish the young queen for her effrontery. Rejeena and Aarvan come face-to-face with top-hierarchy betrayal, deadly revenge, and an amoral demon determined to kill.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984538208

AnnaMarieAlt

AnnaMarieAlt enjoys a passion for writing romantic fantasy fiction, building otherworldly realms. Her two careers, the military followed by civil service, exposed her to varied cultures, races, religions, and beliefs stateside and abroad—England, Continental Europe, the Far East, the South, North, Southeast, Hawaii and Kentucky, where she now resides. This exposure granted her a rounded view of the world and a host of invaluable knowledge that she now brings to her fantasy creations. These experiences, earning a college degree, while surviving and supporting the Women’s Liberation Movement launched her understanding of herself as a woman and a writer. She writes to convey her myriad experiences, because she cannot not write—to share the legacy of a lifetime and accept that we are all human. AnnaMarie has written the Queen’s Man series, an adventurous, romantic fantasy, about the island of Kriiscon, where women rule and men are slaves. The series encompasses the struggle between a domineering but curse-haunted queen and a mysterious, audacious Mainland man, the twisted struggle between women and men for supremacy, culminating in the battle of star-crossed empires. Her words expose the ugly underbelly of the human race and illumine the power of virtue, while following the grinding agony of a culture in the throes of change. Life’s ambition: Fully grown, AnnaMarie wants to be just like Granny Clampett.

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Copyright © 2018 by AnnaMarieAlt.

ISBN:                Softcover               978-1-9845-3821-5

                          eBook                     978-1-9845-3820-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 07/16/2018

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CONTENTS

Glossary of Terms for Queen’s Man Series (Alphabetical)

The Queen’s Man Series:

A twisted, epic tale of the struggle between woman and man for supremacy.

1. Queen’s Man: Into The Inferno (Available Now)

2. Queen’s Man: Beyond The Corridor (Available Now)

3. Queen’s Man: Conflict (Available Now)

4. Queen’s Man: Enter The Caana (Available Now)

5. Queen’s Man: Treachery (Available Now)

6. Queen’s Man: Decision (Available Now)

7. Queen’s Man: Paaerta Hunt (Available Now)

8. Queen’s Man: Discovery (Coming Soon)

Twelve Books In All

Website: www.annamariealt.com

Women rule on the island of Kriiscon and hold all men as slaves. On the opposite shore, men rule the Mainland and treat women as mere chattel.

A decade-long curse denies haughty Queen Rejeena of Kriiscon the greatest gift from their goddess, the gift of daughters. Coupled with the threat of assassination from her outlaw cousin, Rejeena’s very existence and happiness hang steeped in jeopardy.

The queen’s life changes forever when a Mainland man, Aarvan, plagued with no memory, awakens on Kriiscon. Rejeena claims him as her queen’s man. The island’s way of life infuriates and repels Aarvan, yet a potent, exotic attraction binds Queen Rejeena and him together. Even as conflicts rage, both their own and those of outside forces, their passion deepens.

The island is plagued with conflict—assassination efforts; posses of men battling for independence; more powerful, lustful queens; developing disloyalty within the queen’s guard ranks. Aarvan and Rejeena must battle all foes, who seek to separate and destroy them—emanating from both the Mainland, with vast numbers and superior weapons, and Kriiscon itself.

Ultimately, queen and queen’s man must confront each other, seek to overcome cruelty, intolerance and injustice as they build a bridge to harmony and love—a long journey fraught with adventure, intrigue and mortal danger. All the while, standing together, they must strive to gratify the Mainland, unite the raging forces upon the island, and control the destiny of Kriiscon.

Is such a harmony of feats even possible?

"

Queen’s Man, there exists no need for this venture except your contrariness. You can wait until we reach Rejeena’s Towne. This is dangerous outtowne territory, and you and Richard should not be without guards." Seated on a heavy-bodied, powerful chestnut horse, Captain Locin glared at the man riding beside her. Huge and muscular, though nicely arranged in womanly contours, her body snugged into signature queen’s guard black leather. A bright yellow, full sash lay diagonally across her chest.

Mounted on a handsome, long-legged black horse, the queen’s man Aarvan, about three-quarters her size, gave a lazy, impudent grin. Everywhere is dangerous according to you. I don’t want to wait, Locin. His midnight blue eyes gleamed.

You could have bathed at the last lake where the trees hovered near. Your guards could have stayed close. Locin gestured with a large hand. Here, you and Richard needs ride far for privacy.

True, he agreed, but at the former lake, we’d have been a full day’s ride out. I need to bathe shortly before we arrive in Rejeena’s Towne.

Her glare deepened. You always need to do that which good sense says you should not. I do not see why my queen retains you, nor burdens me with the protection of you.

As I remember, you leaped at the chance to become captain.

And I have had cause to regret my rashness frequently since.

You can always break function.

And saddle some other woman with you? I know no woman I abhor so greatly.

He laughed. Captain’s barterek doesn’t influence you, right? Your daughters’ full kruet bags have no bearing?

Of course, I like the barterek, Arrogant Pup. There are other considerations.

For instance?

She cast him an evil smile. For instance, your contrary nature, perversity against all intelligent counsel and bent to plunge headlong into dangerous situations.

All I’m plunging into, Shiira Guardscaptain, is one small lake. He pointed. Are you aware of any water plug-uglies inhabiting it?

His friend Dick, riding beside him, emitted a loud guffaw. Several guards ducked their heads to hide grins.

Locin’s glare returned, fiercer. Her glowering gray eyes seared Aarvan. Were you not queen’s man, I would strangle you. I will hear no more of plug-uglies. Perhaps, if some reside in the lake, they will abscond with you. I would then be free to find more suitable and pleasant function than trying to protect your scrawny, ungrateful self. Locin sounded truly peeved.

Aarvan allowed a conciliatory note to creep into his voice. I really need a bath, Locin. I can’t wait until we get to towne.

She looked him over. He sat, as always, light in the saddle, longs legs clad in full deerskin pants trailing down the sides of his mount. A light jacket hung open over his usual vest, revealing glimpses of a muscular chest and flat belly. Wide shoulders sloped to trim waist and hips, and dark hair framed the too-handsome-for-one-man face. His green armskin, declaring him the property of Queen Rejeena, cowered shyly out of sight beneath the jacket. You appear no worse than the rest of us.

I want a bath. We’ve been gone for three weeks. My queen will want to see me as soon as we arrive. She’ll likely want to view something besides trail dirt. His soft voice soothed as a warm summer breeze caresses the cheek.

Locin, his guard captain, assigned by the queen to keep him safe, was not soothed. His words, though, found their mark. The queen would want to see him immediately, and he, for her sake, should be clean and presentable. The travelers—the queen’s man; the guards; the holdee, Dick who had returned with them to visit the queen’s man, Richard to the women; the horses; their tack and weapons—all suffered the effects of the chilly, fog-obscured, rainy weather through which they had ridden. They were filthy, covered with mud, dust, burrs and dampness. It had rained, then dried out and dust would cover them. Then rain fell again. Mother nature appeared to test their resolve, as they slogged through grimy bogs, forded swollen rivers, climbed a small range of mountains and plodded across flat, arid areas.

Due to his unique and deadly brand of hand-to-hand combat, the queen’s man trained groups of women with his special skills—not only in Queen Rejeena’s Quarter Seven but in Queen Rhotha’s Quarter Eight.

They had indeed trekked about the island for three weeks, as he taught and checked the progress of student groups.

Dick joined them at their last stop. His land leader Tameera granted him the unusual favor of allowing him to ride on with Aarvan’s troupe. Her release of Dick comprised a rare occurrence on this island of slavery, as the action allowed her holdee out of her direct control.

The queen’s man did appear a mess, as they all were. The huge guard captain relented. She pulled her battle whistle from around her neck and handed it to him. Take this. If you need assistance, blow loud.

We’re only going a small way. What could happen?

Weary experience dragged in Locin’s voice. Whenever you are concerned—anything.

Aarvan and Dick swung their horses away from the cluster of guards, healers, servants and wagons toward the small lake glistening against a flange of mountain.

Locin called after them, Do not tarry, Queen’s Man. We will camp. You may enjoy a hot lunch if you do not dawdle.

And if we do ?

I shall come looking for you.

You may catch us in our altogether. What would the queen think of such misbehavior?

Locin leered. She would think I perform my function. It would not be the first time I have viewed you thus.

Aarvan scowled and flushed. Dick guffawed. The other guards openly laughed now the joke had been turned onto the queen’s man.

See you later, Shiira Guardsnasty. Aarvan pushed his horse into a trot.

Dick—a large, swarthy man, good-looking in his own big, open, cheerful way—still laughed. You gotta try an’ get the best of the captain, don’t you?

Aarvan shrugged. Sometimes I do.

What set her off anyways? What’re plug-uglies?

Kind of an inside joke, Dick. You had to have been there. Plug-uglies are like ghosts, goblins, monsters.

With a guard that size, don’t think I’d be keen on irkin’ her, the big man said.

Aarvan hurried his horse toward the small, inviting lake. They picked a grassy flat on the far side of the placid water, offering them access to bathe and the horses to grazing. The chosen spot nestled against a particularly steep and uninviting protuberance of mountain. The high cliff towered over the lake and swimmers, seeming to scowl from rocky heights.

The two men loosened their saddles and removed the bridles so the horses could eat. Dick placed hobbles on his mount so it wouldn’t wander. Haaspar, Aarvan’s trained war-horse, would stay close.

The two men stripped and, for a while swam and bathed, occasionally splashing each other and laughing. After the miserable grubbiness of the trail, the water, though cold, washing away the grime, brought keen pleasure.

Mindful of Captain Locin’s threat, Aarvan called a halt and climbed from the lake. Shivering as he rubbed himself with a rag from his pack, he called to Dick. Better come on out. Locin will come looking for us if we take too long.

Floating on his back, the big man chuckled. Don’t want none of ’em seein’ you with your queen pleaser hangin’ out, that it?

No, I don’t, Aarvan said.

Dick rolled over and stroked for shore.

As Dick shook off the water and reached for his rag, Aarvan asked, Doesn’t it bother you for these women to see you naked?

Well, kinda, Dick admitted. Truth is, though, ’fore Tammy bought me, was on display and bartered several times. You get sorta usta the indignity. Ain’t never pleasant, but after a while you just kinda pretend it ain’t happenin’.

Aarvan’s shiver as he pulled on his pants was not from the chill. I don’t think I ever could get used to it.

Dick eyed Aarvan closing the double row of buttons on his pants, a peculiar adornment worn only by a queen’s man. You were lucky, Dick said. Queen Rejeena snatched you ’fore you even woke from that knock on the head. Never had to stand there tied and naked, starin’ at a sea of calculatin’ female eyes. Never had to stand for a bunch of ’em feelin’ you all over, including your private parts, while they discuss your rate and argue with your keeper ’bout how much you’re worth. Some of ’em just come ’round and feel you up. No intention of buyin’. Twisted bitches! And another thin’—

Alright, Dick, alright. Aarvan raised a hand. I get the picture. The air, as the day progressed, had warmed. Aarvan tied his jacket onto his saddle, exposing the green queen’s man armskin wrapped about his upper right arm.

Dick’s touch of temper vanished. Well, it’s all behind me. I just try to enjoy now Tammy has me. Her an’ the daughters. A dark cloud passed over Dick’s face. Don’t know what I’d do if Tammy ever gets tired of me.

Aarvan smiled. From what I’ve observed, there’s not much chance of that.

Hope not, Dick rumbled, and a wide smile tugged at his mouth. Really like my li’l spitfire.

Both men finished dressing, fastening the laces on the skin calf-high boots, the usual footwear for both men and women.

Aarvan straightened, listening intently. Did you hear that?

Didn’t hear nothin’, Dick grunted, attuning his ears to the quiet sounds of nature surrounding them. He heard the crunch as his horse munched grass, the nearby call of a bird, buzzing whir of an insect’s wings and the splash of a fish jumping in the lake. All the sounds belonged. Then he looked at the black war-horse.

Haaspar stood like an ebony statue, head up, ears pricked, nostrils flared. A forgotten tendril of grass trailed from the animal’s mouth. Clearly, the black heard something, too.

Mebbe we best head back and join your guards, Dick suggested. These mountains got a bad reputation.

How can mountains have reputations? They’re only hunks of rock.

Well, these do. Been people disappeared ’round here ’thout a trace.

Aarvan grinned. Plug-uglies, Dick?

Dick scowled, but the sound again rode to them on the wings of the wind, much louder this time, obscuring the big man’s retort. An unearthly cry, inhuman, a wailing scream of pain and terror coupled with a roar of fury. The war-horse shook his head and stamped, slamming one huge front foot hard onto the ground. Even Dick’s bay lifted its head and stared around, eyes rolling.

Back over that ridge. Aarvan pointed. Whatever it is.

Well, I don’t wanta know, Dick said. Grab your horse an’ let’s get out of here.

Aarvan’s attention riveted on the sound as it repeated. Sounds like trouble.

Oh no, you don’t! Dick cried. I know that look. We’re not goin’ over there.

Aarvan turned a frown on him. It could be someone needing help, Dick. We can’t just ride away.

I can. That noise didn’t come out of no someone; it come out of a . And I ain’t carin’ what or plannin’ to find out. I done tol’ you these mountains got a bad name. He glared. You can forget it.

Whether something or someone, it needs help, Aarvan insisted. He tightened the saddle cinch and buckled his bridle on the black.

Dammit, Queen’s Man! You don’t know what’s over there, or what’s goin’ on.

I’m going to find out.

The captain’ll kill you.

The captain’s not here. We are. Aarvan mounted. You coming?

Grumbling, Dick swung onto his horse.

They galloped toward the ridge, and the same chilling cry, as a high shriek mingled with a low sob, sliced the air several times in rapid succession.

There’s almost a childish quality to that yell, Aarvan said.

Dick snorted. Sounds like one o’ your plug-uglies come up from Nether to me. We’re both o’ us daft.

Blast! Aarvan said as they reached the steep-flanked ridge, sloping rock with shale and sparse vegetation. No discernible way appeared to ride the horses up. Aarvan leaped off, dropped his reins and began to climb.

Where you goin’? Dick rasped.

Up. It’s on the other side.

Dick muttered something incomprehensible but followed.

Nearing the top, Aarvan could hear the disturbing cry interspersed with guttural, animalistic snarls, an agonized yelp, then the excited calls of human voices, wildly triumphant, jeering.

Aarvan, first to the top, scrambled in low profile to the far side of the rocky ridge and peered over. Dick joined him. The slope, fairly steep but negotiable, fell away in front of them for about forty feet.

An astounding sight greeted them. A group of men tormented a bizarre-appearing animal, which cowered in a rocky niche, cornered, cut off from escape by the armed men.

What the Hell! Dick yelped, gaping at the trapped prey. Ain’t never seen nothin’ like that ’fore.

Aarvan’s jaw dropped. Blazes! Something indeed! What is it?

A huge monstrosity, blood trickling through its long hair in several places, a crossbow bolt protruding from a leg, the creature emitted a loud reverberating wail. Much taller and broader, like the trunk if a great tree, than its tormentors, it stood upright, over seven feet tall, with two legs and two arms like a human. As they watched, it dropped to all fours, flipped its flat, black hands out palm down. It charged a man who ventured too close.

The man retreated and the strange being returned to its niche, squalling and snapping an impressive mouthful of teeth. Curling its lips back, it revealed huge fangs that a mountain tarag cat would envy. No wonder its tormentors didn’t close with it too hastily.

Seven aggressors, armed with swords, spears, and hand crossbows, fanned out, disallowing any retreat path. The men wore a haphazard array of skin and natural Kriisconian wool clothing, and carried about them a scruffy wildness, seeming themselves untamed beasts. Their calls and jeering laughter as they poked at and tormented their cornered prey—from a safe distance—supported this impression. At the moment, they didn’t seem to be trying to kill the being, merely having a cruel and vicious brand of fun with it. Their eventual intentions were unclear.

Long, soft dark brown hair floated around the behemoth when it moved, defending itself and jerking with pain from its injuries. The hair stopped in a large circle around its face. A face so flat it appeared to have run into a brick wall but still seeming vaguely humanoid, with the huge mouth, crunched nostrils below eye slits, and ears poking through the floating fur on the sides of its head. The massive hands, bare and black—clenching and unclenching with the apparent strength to crush a small boulder—sported four fingers and a thumb, comparable to a human hand. The long fur overhung and obscured the feet, but couldn’t hide the thick muscularity of its robust limbs.

Good god, Dick, what is that thing? Aarvan whispered.

Dunno. Dick’s rumbling voice quivered. Never seen the like of it. Only thin’ ever heard of looked like that’s a glaalet. Ain’t no glaalets. They’re just legend.

Whatever that thing is, it’s no legend. Aarvan shook his head. Unless we’re both seeing things, it’s as real as you and me.

Yeah. The big man slithered backward. Now you’ve seen it, seen it’s a thin’ like I said, let’s get out of here.

And leave it to those cretins?

Whatever that thin’ is, it’s an animal. Those men are hunters. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with huntin’ animals. People gotta eat. Let’s go. The big man slid again away from the lip of rock, then paused as he realized Aarvan wasn’t following. Come on!

Aarvan laid unmoving, gaze fastened on the creature. His voice lowered to a growl, as though a threat brewed beneath the surface. It looks like a person, Dick—almost, well, human. It’s a young one. For all its size, it’s gangly, like it’s not full grown. Seems more scared than ferocious. He stared over the edge for a few more moments.

The queen’s man glanced over his shoulder at Dick. Aarvan’s eyes had changed, flat blue lakes, flickering below the surface, revealing the rage, which lived within this man, always with him, emerging when needed. His voice seemed to radiate from another time, another place, a different situation. The tormenters, the haters, the scumdregs of the human race . . . they always want to hurt the children. Yes, it’s a child—too much a child for whatever they’re planning.

Dick noted that voice change, and recognized the appearance of Aarvan’s protective instincts. He tried anyway. Dammit, it’s an animal. Leave it!

I’m not sure it’s an animal—not something they’re wanting for meat. Aarvan turned his head again and gave Dick a wicked grin, but his eyes glowed cold and still. It needs help. I’ll bet we could run those guys off. Let it escape.

Nothin’ doin’! Them’s loose men down there. They get one look at your double-button pants, and they’ll not be happy until they gut you like a fish. They got no use atall for a queen’s man, ’cept on the end of their spears.

That should make it easier to draw them off.

You daft? There’s seven of ’em.

Only six.

Six? Your eyes bad? I see seven.

I know, but I’m not counting Tuuman. We already know he’s a coward.

Tuuman! Dick’s yell clamored nearly loud enough to be heard below. He slithered forward again. Where?

Aarvan pointed. The big one wearing that feathered headdress like he’s some kind of chieftain.

Is him! Dick growled. Owe him! Owe him a lot . . . some payback.

We both owe him something, Aarvan said, watching temptation war with caution in the big man’s eyes. He tried to get the queen killed.

He’s still wanted for treason. Could just call your guards, Dick suggested. That big captain of yours’d like gettin’ her hands on Tuuman.

By the time they got here, it could be all over. Aarvan gestured. It looks like they’re moving in.

The loose men were indeed moving. While several kept the quarry cornered, others stepped back and prepared their crossbows. The crossbows would kill quickly, even this huge creature.

Damn! Dick snapped. Whatcha got in mind . . . to get us killed?

Aarvan pointed to a sloping rock ledge, which swooped to within a negotiable distance from the ground. It hung behind the combatants. I’m going to drop down there. He handed Dick the battle whistle. Once the surprise is over, blow that, long and hard. If I can’t hold them, you can charge down the slope to help.

You can’t take ’em all on! Daft bastard! Dick growled.

I’m going to try to talk them away from it, Dick. If I can manage that, I won’t need you. Aarvan removed the silver chain and the wooden talisman he wore around his neck and dropped them into a pocket. He leaped up and raced toward the slope, hunkering over to minimize his exposure to those below.

Dick looked at the whistle. Mebbe bring the guards in time to pick up pieces o’ us.

Aarvan clambered swiftly down the rock ledge then dropped behind the loose men, landing on the balls of his feet.

Concentrating on their quarry, they did not immediately notice him.

The creature saw him, though. It opened its great mouth and roared, apparently thinking him another attacker.

Still the bullying harrier, Tuuman? Aarvan asked in his velvety soft voice.

Five of the men whirled to stare.

It took Tuuman a second. You?

Surprise. Aarvan smiled, his demeanor relaxed, lightly poised. Why don’t you let that thing go? It doesn’t even look good to eat.

Tuuman glanced around. A crafty look stole across his face. Lost from your guards, pretty boy? He sneered. All alone?

Aarvan shrugged. Let the thing go. Let’s all leave quietly.

Tuuman laughed, a grating sound. You shoulda stayed with your guards. He turned to his companions. Fellows, this is the sorry mertan’s rot queen’s dote that embarrassed me in front of a whole room of women with his sneaky attack.

Yeah, he done told us about you. A man with a mouth displaying broken, rotted teeth, hair a dingy uncombed welter hanging to his shoulders, stepped up beside Tuuman. Heard about what you done later with them outlaws. Been wanting to meet up with you for a while. Glad you decided to drop in. He flashed a mean smile. Reckon we get two ’stead of just one today. Mebbe we’ll kill you real slow. Cut off your balls while you still breathe, send them to your shrew of a queen as a gift.

Aarvan gave him a warm smile. That would unnecessarily rile her. I really would like to do this peacefully. We’re all men here, no need for bloodshed. Just let the creature go. It’s a young one, so you’re kind of like . . . picking on a child. For a riven flick of time, a snake coiled to strike in the dark blue eyes. Take a hard look at it, men. For all its youth, it appears big and mean. If you go for me, it may go for you. That could turn out badly. The snake faded and he held up both hands, palm outward. My guards are closer than you think. How about we all just walk away?

Rotten teeth hefted his spear, eyeing Aarvan. This is a chance we ain’t passing up. Gonna get queen’s dote guts today.

Careful, Breet, Tuuman warned, he’s fast.

Ain’t no man fast once he’s got a spear in his leg. Breet lunged forward. Flung the spear.

The spear arrived; the leg was gone. The metal point clanged harmlessly against the rock wall.

The leg flashed into a sideways kick. Straight into Breet’s throat. Breet went down, gasping and choking.

Aarvan spun backward into his next kick. His heel caught Tuuman at the base of the neck. Tuuman screeched and slammed to the ground.

From the slope, the battle whistle shrilled, like an hysterical screech.

The trapped hairy brute, seeing its chance, attacked.

Three men charged Aarvan. The other two faced the onrushing, furious monstrosity, with its snapping teeth and huge, powerful hands.

Aarvan ducked another spear. Leaped sideways. Dropped, rolled and sprang to a crouch. Bounded forward as a sword hacked. Rose right in front of the swordsman. Jabbed the man in the belly. A hard, vicious right. The attacker grunted and bent. Aarvan jerked his knee up. Smashed the man’s head down onto it. Jaw splintered. The loose man slumped. Aarvan clanged the man’s shield into an onrushing adversary. The queen’s man spun and dived. Constant motion. A hard target.

A crossbow bolt sliced the space he filled a heartbeat earlier.

A hideous scream ripped the air.

Aarvan leaped to his feet. His blue eyes scanned for adversaries. Three sprawled, still down. Two raced away in panicked flight. Two lay in mangled heaps.

The brown, hairy animal rose from finishing them. Lips curled back, its great fangs glistened with blood, red globs dripping onto the remains of its antagonists.

Aarvan winced at what it left behind—torn flesh, shattered bones jutting at impossible angles, spurting blood, exposed ugly whitish tendons.

For a second the rage flickered. "The creature raised its gaze to Aarvan. Fury and challenge glared from strange cat-like green eyes.

The queen’s man backed away, throwing up his hands in a gesture of peace. Assured it of his friendly intent.

The huge being stared at him a moment longer, then turned to scramble up a cliff from which it had been denied access by its attackers. Grumbling, snarling, agitatedly worrying its huge jaw up and down, it gazed at him again, from a small trail just above head height.

Aarvan flashed a reassuring, friendly smile.

It grunted and ambled from sight around a rocky flange of the towering mountain, leaving only blue sky and floating white clouds in its wake.

Dammit, Queen’s Man, Dick’s querulous voice called, heft your arse up here ’fore any of ’em get up. The big man arose.

Aarvan looked at the five prostrate fellows. The two the monstrosity smashed would never rise again. Only Tuuman showed any sign of struggling to his feet. Keeping a sharp eye on the stirring leader, Aarvan trotted toward the slope to rejoin Dick. The huge creature—the youngster of its species—whatever its origins, had escaped. Aarvan had no more interest in a fight.

Dick roared a warning and pointed behind Aarvan.

That peculiar tingle, a warning of danger, teased Aarvan’s spine. In a blur of motion, he ducked, dived and rolled. A crossbow bolt blazed the air where he had been. A spear buried its point in the ground.

The two defector loose men returned with six more. As Aarvan shot back to his feet, all eight charged.

Dick released a bellowing roar and raced down the slope. Three of the loose men angled toward him.

Even as he assessed the attackers, Aarvan yelled, Dick, get back to the horses.

Dick stumbled to a confused halt. Can’t leave ya! he wailed as the action exploded.

The situation had elevated to lethal. The deadly rage, which lived inside Aarvan, the one Locin called the beast, surged and enveloped him. He would have to kill in the interest of survival.

The five men attacked, sprinting behind pointed spears and swinging swords.

The beast raved and roared inside Aarvan’s head, encircling him at the same time—bellowing its satisfaction of release and demanding to fulfill its destiny. It had been born to kill—possessing unwavering lethal intent and