Page 123 (1/2)

Unable to match the superfast speed, Valek scraes of Ambrose’s blades sliced the skin on Valek’s arer proble out of room to maneuver If that happened, Valek would leave a smear of blood on the wall as he sank to his death

Deflecting the Commander’s double thrust up instead of to the side, he kicked the Commander in the sto Valek a little more roo his knife toward the Coed the attack and once again Valek was on the defensive As the fight lengthened, Valek’s energy ebbed He sucked in air and his throat burned with the effort

Valek rallied and tried a number of offensive techniques Familiar with each of them, the Co

After a few es, Valek sensed he was about to reach the liht desperation, which reht with Onora It was clear there was no way he’d beat the Cohting tactics

Bracing for pain, Valek blocked a double jab to his rabbed the Commander’s wrists and found the pressure points The tip of a blade pierced Valek’s left bicep, but he claers and thu pain traveled up his ar a pressure point created a unique sensation that doht and reason in the victio In any other fight, Valek would never have resorted to using theht, Valek wouldn’t need them to save his own life and ensure his family’s safety

The Commander’s weapons clattered to the floor Valek kept his hold until the Commander sank to his knees Then Valek released one wrist He picked up the closest knife and rested the sharp edge on the Co of pain cleared fro for death No fear shone in his eyes No requests for e for his life Not his style

Valek tensed, preparing to end the Commander’s life But he was unable to execute that final move Valek couldn’t kill hiret it They’d shared too much history, friendship and even love Ambrose was a part of Valek’s fa between theician force his hand

"Finish it, Valek," A to invade Sitia"

And Valek would have to live with the consequences War and death and no hope for a peaceful life Or was there hope? Valek’s comments to Leif about trust came to mind Perhaps he should trust the Sitians They’d certainly proven their resourcefulness in the past Valek released the Commander "You can try Sitia will surprise you"

"Then why the assassination atteot what?"

"That I’m a Sitian now, and we don’t solve our problems by assassination" Valek found his knives and sheathed the as Chief of Security Effective immediately" Valek headed for the door He only had a few days to warn Sitia

"I can’t let you leave," Ambrose said

Valek spun eapons in hand