Fulcrum of Light (Catalyst Book 2) C.J. Aaron (unputdownable books .TXT) 📖

The tingling in his left arm became a throbbing, burning sensation that grew stronger with every beat of his heart.

Andr’s words flashed through his head.

The one constant in every fight is its unpredictability. Be the unexpected. Sometimes the more rash, the more foolhardy the plan, the greater the chance of survival.

Ryl roared as he leapt into the piercing attack. He concentrated on hardening the woodskin on his left hand and torso as he let the Leaves slip from his fingers. He twisted his body to the side. The razor edge of the sword tore across the skin of his stomach as his hand wrapped around the blade. Squeezing down on the weapon, the blade bit into his flesh as he wrenched his left arm backward, pulling the Lei Guard toward him as he spun. His right hand hammered into the back of the guard as he passed. At the same time, he released a torrent of wind that flowed outward in a focused beam into the back of the Lei Guard. The blast propelled the guard away from him, its wicked sword point now aimed toward the guard that had swung for his neck.

Ryl watched as the blade punched through the other guard’s chest. He’d switched places with the black cloaked warrior so rapidly that the others had failed to react in time. One sword severed the unfortunate guard’s head, the other bit deep into his torso. Blood rained down from the decapitated Lei Guard as it wobbled lifelessly on its feet. The second dropped his shield, clutching frantically with both hands at the blade that had penetrated its chest to its hilt.

The move had left Ryl off-balance and woefully unprepared. The flat wicked face of the remaining Lei Guard’s shield hammered into his side; his head rebounded off the solid metal rim between the spikes. His vision spun as he toppled from his feet. He frantically focused the woodskin on the entirety of his body, preparing for the inevitable following strike.

The heavy black boot of the guard caught him in the chest, robbing his breath, flipping him over. He gasped for air as he slammed down onto his back. Out of desperation, he waved his right arm, thrusting an unfocused wave of wind at the approaching Lei Guard. Ryl’s uncoordinated attack parted as it washed over the shield. The hood of his black cloaked attacker shifted backward, revealing the black stained lines running up his neck, branching out across his chin and mouth. The crooked grin was painfully familiar.

The blood red points that lined the edge of the circular shield bit into the stone of the bridge on either side of Ryl’s right hand. His arm was pinned down, trapped between the weight of the shield and the stone walkway of the bridge. The Lei Guard drove the tip of its sword into the stone at Ryl’s side leaving the blade wobbling unattended as it dropped its knee into Ryl’s chest. The pressure sent a wave of pain tearing through his body. A wave of hatred and malice crashed over him with renewed fury. The darkness surrounding them blotted out the sky, swallowing them whole. Outside, only dim shadows of his companions remained visible. The Lei Guard leaned in close.

“Tell me, tribute, how is it your tainted blood has not been harvested yet?” it voiced hissed with an airy, animal like growl. The hint of humanity beneath it toyed with Ryl’s mind.

The gloved hand closed high on Ryl’s neck, forcing his chin up. It twisted his head to the left revealing his brand.

“Ah, this is interesting,” it spat. The hatred swelled further, and his body felt as if it was being crushed beneath the added weight of the emotion. “A wayward herd.”

The hand spun Ryl’s head forward, as its face lingered close. The shadow of the hood was still too dark for Ryl to make out its eyes, although he could feel them boring into him, twisting like daggers.

“A pity, there was still time for you,” it growled softly. “It will be a waste, but the blood of your friends will suffice.”

Ryl felt the impact against the shield reverberate through his right arm. There was a loud crash and a breaking of stone as the projectile launched from the hands of his companions shattered against the barrier. Small chunks of stone rained down on his face. The Lei Guard twisted his head momentarily, looking back at the futile attack from the shore, his body still protected by the bulk of the shield. A stone careened off the top of the metal rim striking a glancing blow across the guard’s face as he twisted his head away from Ryl.

The force of the impact and motion of his head ripped the hood back from its face. The tattoo on its neck sent a shiver down Ryl’s spine.

H1349.

The head was entirely hairless; the black stains leached their way up to the top of its skull, branching outward from the spine. Ducking slightly, its head whipped back toward Ryl.

His heart skipped a beat as he saw the face.

The last time he’d seen it, the crooked smile and wink were forever burned into his mind.

The face was nearly unrecognizable now, though Ryl knew it instantly. The usual carefree expression he recalled was gone. The face that glared at him now was contorted with unbridled anger, his mouth snarling like a wild animal.

“Elias,” Ryl choked as the gauntlet tightened around his neck.

Chapter 53

An instant of recognition flashed across the face of the Lei Guard, yet it disappeared as quickly as it came. The look was replaced by a triumphant, maniacal expression of glee as he choked the life out of his prey.

Ryl was helpless to defend himself. His legs convulsed uncontrollably and his vision blurred as the life faded from his body. Time flashed back to normal as he lost control of his skills. His saddened eyes pleaded with those of his friend, staring into their icy black depths.

Ryl opened his