Vikings battle Zeppelins while forbidden desires spark! (Swords Versus Tanks Book 2) Read Free Page B

a really nice chat. But I don’t have your experience." Another swig. "So, what we’re going to do is: you go sort him out, and we’ll share the credit." Smith stooped to place the flask on the flagstones, then carefully put his hand on Tom’s thigh. "You could do with a friend at the top, couldn’t you?" He closed and opened his solitary eye in Cyclops wink – and gave a gap-toothed smile. "And you wouldn’t have to share me with Bayonet Bitch."
    Tom’s bile rose. That cajoling, self-justifying tone was all too familiar. Now he looked at Smith through the eyes of a young rent boy and knew him; how he would climax – impassive face slowly giving way to spasms of pleasure as the bravado ebbed; and how he would pay – reluctantly and stingily, with promises of more later.
    Smith flinched. "I mean, let’s be friends."
    "Of course. Excuse me." Tom rose. "I have a job to do."
    #
    Tom’s anger simmered as he negotiated the chain of increasingly ornate chambers, each with Security Workers to demand his credentials. Finally, a dour woman showed him into a smaller bedchamber with diamond-paned windows overlooking the moonlit Ocean of Thule.
    A young native sat in the window seat. His file said he was eighteen years old, but with his long blond hair lank, his clothing grease-stained, he looked older.
    "A visitor for you, Citizen Lowther!" said the guard and left Tom alone with the deposed monarch.
    The youth did not react. He had a fine profile, except that his nose was bruised, and his eyes puffy. Smith's work, no doubt. Tom pursed his lips. All thought of hate and revenge vanished. Of course, thought Tom. I lost my lover, but this boy’s lost his kingdom and his way of life. He edged forward, as if stalking an undomesticated gryphon.
    "May I?" Without waiting for an answer, Tom eased into the window seat opposite the king. "My name is Tom," he said, in medieval pronunciation. "May I call you Edward?"
    Edward snorted. "They say, A gryphon may look at a king . Call me what you will. But if you preach at me, I shall take your head."
    A tendril of fear clutched Tom’s heart. He pressed back into the seat and let the silence roll on, counting his heartbeat, making himself relax.
    The King just sat there.
    Tom changed tack. "Edward, can I get you anything?" he asked, leaning forward. "Is there anything you need?"
    "A good sword. A mighty host. Or, perhaps, a swift death."
    "I’m just trying to make you comfortable."
    Edward’s head snapped round. His bloodshot eyes flashed. "Your motives, Sir, are suspect."
    Tom flinched. The youth had gone, and in its place was... well... a king. Even in silence, he was commanding. Like a younger version of Marcel, said a little voice in the back of his head.
    Tom screwed up his eyes, willing away the thought. Persuasion wasn’t going to work, not at first. But as long as he could engage with Edward, then there was the possibility of negotiation. "I will not lie..." He couldn’t quite bring himself to use the lad’s name. "We need your help."
    Edward laughed. It was a youth’s laugh, but his words had all the scorn of a man. " You seek my help?"
    "You could tell the peasants to cooperate, the nobles to lay down their arms. Help us bring justice and equality to this land-"
    "You bring nothing but ruin and death."
    Tom considered for a moment. Then he made a decision. "I said I will not lie. Though we bring peace and justice, we invaded your land because ours is being attacked by sky demons." Now was not the time to explain the Solar System, the Red Planet, telescopes, abductions, canals and rocket ships… let alone Xeno-Elitist Alien Hordes. "We’ve come here not just to escape, but to build up our strength so we can take back our land, should it fall."
    Edward’s eyes narrowed. "The old chronicles tell of how our forefathers came to Westerland to flee the Iron Horde," he said. "Like the first Lowthers did, you will do as you must."
    "Then you understand?" said Tom. "You’ll