Zorvak
I watched Cami walk out of the room while I wondered how things turned bad so fast. One minute we were happy, and then Estine showed up filling her head full of empty lies. At one point, it was the truth, but we ended it a long time ago.
I needed to hit something! With one last look at the door that separated us, I headed out of my quarters.
When I got to the lift, Marcet stood guarding the entrance. “I’m heading to the training arena. If the female needs anything, let me know. Do not let her leave on her own. Understand?”
“Yes, Captain.”
I arrived at the training arena; Roark and Voth were training a couple of recruits. Roark must have seen my expression. I stalked to the center and he trotted out to meet me. Without words, I threw my senses outward, tasting the air around me as I tried to calm myself.
Roark threw the first punch, which I easily dodged. A few punches later, he asked, “Feeling better?”
“No,” I growled, then punched him in the jaw.
“I have news that might make you feel better.” His foot connected with my upper thigh.
“I’m listening.” I tackled him to the ground. We rolled until I landed on top straddling him.
“Ardak has an older brother. The only thing I know about him is he is a member of the Royal Guard.”
I froze. “What?”
“After training, I was going to question some of the younger guards. Find out if they know anything.”
I stood. “Let’s go now.”
“But the trainees…”
“Now.” I stalked off, leaving him to follow me.
We made it to the housing units and found Ian sitting on his cot. When we entered, he looked up then sprang to his feet. “Captain,” he said as he stood at attention.
Roark addressed him. “Ian, what can you tell us about Ardak and his older brother?”
Ian squinted his eyes in concentration. “Ardak is arrogant, always wanting to fight everyone. I don’t know anything about an older brother.”
“Who would know?”
“I don’t know. Ardak hangs around with Yuri sometimes.”
“Are they close?”
“I don’t really know.”
“Thank you.”
When Roark finished questioning him, I turned and walked out. We needed to find Yuri.
We found Saroff, who oversaw schedules for the grounds. “Saroff, do you know where we can find Yuri?”
“He is stationed at the entrance gate of the mansion.”
The grounds were vast so it took a while to make it to the gate. We found Yuri at the gate just where Saroff said he’d be. Again, I let Roark do the questioning. My presence let them know how important the questions were.
“Yuri, we need to ask you some questions.”
He walked out of the guard shack with worry shining in his eyes. He probably thought with us both present that he was in trouble.
“What can you tell us about Ardak and his older brother?”
He squinted in confusion. “Older brother? I didn’t know he had an older brother.”
“Is there anyone who would know?”
“I don’t know. He told me once that his mother lives on the western side of the city. Maybe she would know?” He raised his eyebrows in question and shrugged.
“Maybe. Can you tell us anything else?”
His eyes darted to mine before looking at Roark once again. “He hates Zorvak. For some reason, he believes he should be Captain of the Guard.”
Roark inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Thank you.”
As we walked away, Roark asked, “Should we pay Ardak’s mother a visit?”
“Yes, I think we should. Let’s take the air vehicle this time.”
The small building housed four floors of personal quarters with Ardak’s family home on the third floor.
“Hello?” His mother was an older female with streaks of silver in her hair.
“We need to ask you some questions,” Roark said in a gentle voice.
Her eyes slid over Roark’s shoulder and landed on me. Recognition flared in her eyes. I could tell she didn’t want to let us in, but she stepped away and allowed us entrance.
While Roark questioned the female, I looked around the humble living area. Pictures adorned the wall. Most of them were of Ardak, some with Esad and Ardak together, but one in particular drew my gaze. Ardak and Marcet as young males.
I glanced at the female and asked, “Who is this young male?”
Her eyes darted to the picture in question. “You mean Marcet?” Her brows drew together in question.
“Yes. Who is he to you?”
“He is the son of a friend of mine. And Ardak’s half-brother.”
Marcet… my lips tightened in anger. Looking at Roark, I ordered, “Let’s go.”
Zorvak, Cami sounded scared, my name more of a cry for help.
I marched out of the building with purpose, needing to get back to Cami.
Are you alright, Cami? Nothing. I know you are angry, but answer me. Still nothing. I tried to feel for her emotions. Even anger would be a welcome feeling, but it was empty space. My heart pounded with rage as I marched to the air vehicle.
“Is everything alright, Captain?”
“No. Marcet was in my building when I left. I ordered him to watch Cami. She called out my name in fear and now I can’t reach her.”