Kingdom of Lies Read Free

it for spite. The child slave trade was becoming less popular and worse Quatz didn’t pay for the slaves they received. The few Evinara bought every two years was a blessing since they paid double price for swift purchase and transported the slaves themselves.  The financial vulnerability of Sluvic was almost half as bad as their military defense. With so many young children sold a lot of young people left over were drafted into the army. Gender was not considered. Their army was more than enough to defeat an attack from a garrison of villagers. But compared to Quatz it was a bad joke. However he was determined to do whatever it took to keep the kingdom going. Even if he had to work his subjects to the bone to ensure his reign could go on.
    After he was bathed and dressed he went to the dining hall. There he saw a beautiful redhead dressed in traditional garb of sunshine yellow. She was smiling and watching a jester entertain on a small stage. Upon seeing the king everyone stopped then rose and bowed. “Hail King Dakk.”
    “Thank you, you may be seated,” King Dakk told them, “beautiful traveler, from which kingdom or village do you come from?”
    “Firara but I have long left my home kingdom. My name is Sahar and I bring urgent news my King.”
    His heart almost skipped a beat. Firara was known to birth almost all the magic users in existence and even then magic was rare in their realm. “Are you able to perform any magical feats?”
    “Pardon my king but I have more urgent news,” Sahar said leaning away.
    “I asked you a question,” his voice took on a sharp edge.
    “Then my answer is no,” Sahar said, “and if I have come at a bad time I apologize and will make my leave.”
    “Will you? Subjects wait to be dismissed from the table.”
    “I am not a subject, this is not where I intend to reside,” Sahar countered, “I only came to deliver news of a danger heading towards a kingdom. A former slave child bent on revenge with terrible power.”
    King Dakk sat up straight. His concubines scattered around the table looked worried. He did not appreciate a female talking back to him. This woman needed to learn her place. “You enter my kingdom but refuse to submit to our customs. Listen harlot, you are in my presence and you will respect your betters or face the dire consequences dissenters receive in Sluvic.”
    Sahar’s jaw clenched. “I apologize, King Dakk.”
    “My king.”
    “My king,” Sahar’s voice barely hid a hiss.
    “Better, now tell me of this threat coming to my kingdom.”
    “The Blood Knot is heading towards Sluvic and their leader has the death touch,” Sahar said.
    The room fell into silence.
    “Do you mean The Cult of the Damned?” one of the concubines asked, “my family talked of them during their last visit.”
    King Dakk looked over at the book worm. She might be of some use yet. “Is it true that the demon that drives them is of female origin Ceya?”
    Ceya blushed heavily. “Yes my king, it is said she has eyes that shine red with evil intent and…”
    “I am sorry to interrupt,” Sahar said, “but the leader is a woman and as she kills her beauty grows. These rumors of a demon are no more than silly superstition.”
    “Really?” King Dakk purred, “are you suggesting that my concubine’s family are stupid?”
    “Of course not, no,” Sahar said with widened eyes, “I am sorry if my words offended anyone. It was not my intent to cause hurt or ill feelings. Maybe it is time that I rise and bid you all farewell.”
    “You have to be dismissed by the king,” one of the youngest concubines chimed in.
    “Right,” Sahar sighed, “of course.”
    King Dakk could feel fury boiling up inside him. This noisy bitch clearly had no proper upbringing. Clearly no male taught her how to behave around anyone, especially royalty. “Concubines, your presence is no longer needed. Go straight to bed; do not dally in the hallways.”
    “Of course King Dakk,” they said and