Stardust Read Free Page A

special treat for you tonight. Three of my guards were lax in their duties and allowed one of your rebel leaders to escape. ” Bartok stood before the great assembly of Palermonian populous. By royal command all had been ordered to attend this state address. He motioned, and the unfortunate guards were taken to a termination booth recently erected outside the palace walls. A hush fell over the crowd as the eunuch manning the booth touched the bright red button and the three d isappeared in a flash of light.
    Bartok smil ed with malicious satisfaction. “ Eat and drink till your heart is content my friends. ”
    The new ruler of Palermos lifted a crystal goblet high in the air and the crowd roared to life. Few chose to remember the man toasting them was the very same man they had fought just a few short moons ago. The barricades were gone and food, wine and fuel were once again plentiful.
    Bartok returned to his place at the head of the table. Beside him was a small, thin-faced man of intermittent age. “ Did you program the Sybortron , Marvock? ”
    “ Yes, your highness. He is on his way even as we speak. ”
    “ Why have you released the Sybortron? ” Saatan ’ s voice was loud and commanding.
    “ A Palermonian female escaped with the help of an unknown warrior. She must be found. ” Bartok ’ s eyes grew heated at the thought of Aurora escaping. There were many, many things, some not so pleasant, he wished to teach the young, nubile female.
    “ You young fool, ” his uncle hissed, his royal robes vibrating with anger. “ You jeopardize our entire rule to satisfy your sick deprivation for Palermonian flesh. ”
    “ You have no right to question my actions! ” Bartok faced his uncle, wishing the day would come when he could do away with the burdensome old man. His wild eyes came to rest on the green stone hanging around Saatan ’ s neck.
    The living stone had passed to his uncle the day his father, Kroysol, had died. By rights the stone should have been his. Yet another reason to send the old man to the unknown world. His fingers clenched the jeweled dagger hidden beneath his tunic. Not yet. Not just yet. He laughed heartily, sensing the sudden tension in the citizens around them. No one must suspect the discord in the ruling power. Far too much d epended on a stable government. Or at least the appearance of a stable government.
    “ Sit down, uncle. Let ’ s enjoy the wine and food. ” He clapped his hands twice and music flooded the cool night air. “ Selina. Come and dance for Saatan. ”
    * * *
    Hours later, Selina hurried through the night, a long black robe hiding the silver strands of her hair. Knocking softly at the unguarded door, she waited for it to open. Within minutes a small crack of light appeared and she went inside.
    “ Why are you so late? ” A harsh voice demanded from the shadows.
    She quickly discarded her robe giving the man on the pallet a tantalizing glimpse of her naked form. Her rounded breasts, swollen with passion, jutted forward. A gnarled hand ro se to squeeze the ripe flesh.
    “ He would not let me leave, ” she explained breathlessly. Her eyes focused on the pale green stone hanging about his neck as he began his familiar fondling of her body.
    “ What is he up to? ” Saatan questioned as he pulled her lush curves down beside him.
    “ He is full of himself this night. ” Selina ’ s voice rang with disgust.
    “ How did you get away from him? ” The roaming hands ceased abruptly. “ You did not do anything stupid, did you, my dear? ”
    “ No, of course not, my master. I would never betray you. ” She pressed his cold hand to her breast, smiling secretly as he once again began to knead the opulent flesh. “ Bartok is too busy playing Lord of the Manor to worry about a simple female. ”
    “ That is how it should be, ” he growled as he guided her hand to the flaccid flesh between his legs. “ But remember, you must repeat to me everything Bartok tells you.