BlackWing: First Ordinance, Book 3 Read Online Free Page A

your army into the countryside; leave only those alive whose bodies I will appreciate. Make sure they're not wounded severely—I hate going into a body that's ill or not fully functional."
    "I understand," Magul bowed to Vardil. "Your command will be implemented immediately."
    * * *
    Le-Ath Veronis
    Avii Castle
    "Do you suppose they'll ever get tired of staring at us?" Gurnil asked. Below the castle, three tour boats floated on the waters surrounding the giant bowl, filled with tourists who were likely recording images of Avii Castle on their comp-vids.
    "Jurris uses the money to fund our government and pay for incidentals," Justis shook his head. "I just wish he'd stop selling tickets for the early risers to ogle my troops when we train in the mornings."
    "I hear those tickets are very expensive," Gurnil laughed humorlessly.
    "I've had to do more than enough shouting at the guards, when they decided to pose for images rather than attending to their exercises." Justis expressed his displeasure by rustling ebony wings.
    "At least we don't have to worry about the boats—Orik, Wolter, Deeds and the others from Fyris do that for us. Dena is very good at keeping the financial records—with help from Renée, Queen Lissa's assistant."
    "Who knew a Yellow Wing would have talents for such?" Gurnil laughed. "I hear Jurris has asked Queen Lissa whether she knows if Prince Liron will have red wings."
    "I hear she wisely turned his question away," Justis grimaced. "He'll have to wait until the boy is nine, just like every other child of mixed parentage."
    "You came to see me for a reason other than to watch the tour boats?" Gurnil turned to Justis.
    "Yes. I was made an offer—by Kooper Griff, Head of the Alliance Security Detail."
    "What offer is that?" Gurnil's curiosity was immediate. He knew the ASD only employed the finest to be their agents.
    "To work for him on special assignments. He says that there are ways—shield spells or such—that can keep my wings hidden. I will look as any other man who walks about. Of course, I will be forced to keep my flying ability secret, using it where I can't be seen, but the personal shields the ASD possesses will achieve that easily."
    "What do you intend to do? Will Jurris say no?"
    "My brother realizes that I grow bored. Any one of my Captains can do what I do. Besides, Ardis is ready for a promotion."
    "This isn't a way to destroy yourself—is it?" Gurnil asked quietly.
    "No. Yes, those thoughts come at times, when I miss Quin. They will retreat; they always do."
    "Any idea what you'd be doing, or where? I realize you now speak Alliance Common fluently, but you still keep your Avii habits," Gurnil pointed out.
    "Kooper didn't think it would present a problem. He wants more agents to hunt for Cayetes."
    "Ah. Now I see why you're so eager to accept this position."
    "Wouldn't you?"
    "If I had the ability, perhaps," Gurnil nodded. "We all miss Quin. Every time Nina's grandchildren sniffle, she wishes for Quin. Have you spoken with Berel and Kaldill?"
    "Yesterday. Berel wants to come with me, just to keep my temper in line. Kaldill says he's ready for his son to take over Gaelar N'Seith for an extended period."
    "I'd feel better if those two were with you," Gurnil said, focusing on the tour boats again. "I'd feel even better if the Larentii accompanied you. Where, do you think?"
    "He says there is activity on Vogeffa II, which worries him. Kaldill can get us onto that world without any trouble."
    "You know it's an outlaw planet, don't you?"
    "Yes."
    "Even Vogeffa I is better off—it has a government, at least."
    "As such, Vogeffa I's laws are more stringent than many Alliance worlds—with punishments far more severe for breaking government rules," Justis snorted. "Yes, I've done my research. Berel says it's much like Campiaa was at one time, ruled by criminals with steel fists, who kept all except themselves in line with the laws they created."
    "What is the assignment?"
    "To assess the