Resurrected Soldiers: The Tyrus Chronicle - Book Three Read Free Page B

Heads swiveled my way. “What do you think you’re doing to my men?”
    He flashed a crooked smile. “I believe these are General Balak’s men, not yours. And I’m teaching them some discipline.”
    “Any discipline that needs to be taught will come from me.” I looked at the three men. “Put your hands down.”
    They eyed Habak, then me, and lowered their arms.
    Habak’s face reddened. “Who do you think you are undermining my authority? These men started a fight with members of my company and need to be punished because of it.”
    “Boaz, what happened?” I asked, doing my best to keep a controlled demeanor.
    “One of his men stole something out of my pack. Zev and Caleb tried to help me get it back.” He lowered his eyes. “We were outnumbered.”
    Which meant that whatever had been stolen was still in the possession of the other man.
    “What did they take?”
    “A blue ribbon.”
    Habak laughed. “A ribbon?”
    “Dinah gave it to me,” hissed Boaz while shooting Habak and venomous glare.
    I understood. Dinah was a sweet woman, and more importantly, his wife. I thought of Lasha’s letters and how they had gotten me through the Geneshan Wars. If anyone had ever dared to take that connection to her away, I’d have killed them.
    I spoke to Boaz. “Who took it?”
    Boaz gestured toward a tall man. To say that the man had me by eight inches was being conservative at best. The man wasn’t wide, but he had that strong, wiry, build which hinted at hidden strength. He also had mastered a smug stare which told me he was the sort of man who liked to intimidate and push others around.
    I hated him immediately.
    The difference in size between the tall man and Boaz was even greater than me. The fact that he hadn’t let himself be walked over made me feel good about his chance for survival in the army. It also spoke to how much he loved his wife.
    “Give the ribbon back, soldier,” I said.
    “I ain’t no soldier. And you can lick my crack,” the man spat.
    That brought a round of chuckles from others in Habak’s company who had gathered to watch. Habak laughed with them.
    A crowd gathered.
    “Tyrus,” Habak began, closing the distance between us. “You’ve got balls the size of boulders coming here and ordering my men to—”
    My arm lashed out the moment he was within reach, fingers cutting off his comment as they squeezed the air out of his windpipe. It was an effective way to make a point. It caused far more pain and used far less strength than trying to squeeze the entirety of a man’s neck.
    “I wasn’t talking to you,” I said to Habak. “But since you interrupted, let me make sure everyone understands the order of things, including you. You will not order me about or intimidate me in any way, shape, or form. I answer to one man. Balak. You have an issue with that, take it up with him. You will treat me with respect, and I will do the same to you. If at any point you fail to do so, you will be reprimanded. By me.”
    Habak mouthed a swear, but a lack of air prevented any sound from escaping.
    I swept his back foot out and drove him to the ground with my hand still at his throat. He struck his head and was out cold.
    I released my grip and stood straight, eyeing the towering solider who had taken Boaz’s ribbon. He didn’t seem upset or surprised at me taking out his commander. Instead, he looked eager for his chance to put me down and prove he could succeed where Habak had failed. I spoke to him, but my words were meant for all who had crowded around to watch. “Try me, and I won’t be so easy on you.”
    “Then don’t be,” he said flatly.
    I walked over to him with quick determined steps. I wanted to make sure everyone knew there was no hesitation on my part.
    The look of surprise on his face quickly turned. I imagined he probably thought himself lucky to have an opportunity to put me down. It would definitely increase his reputation.
    He acted the second I got within his long reach,