The Burning Crown (Stone Blade Book 4) (35 page)
Read The Burning Crown (Stone Blade Book 4) Online
Authors: James Matt Cox
Ferrel sat gingerly as he checked himself for injury. Kidwell lay nearby, moving as little as possible. She had a bloody nose and lip and moaned softly when Micah checked her ribs.
"That was not fun," coughed Ferrel.
Micah felt his heart sinking below the pavement.
"Charlie, Vera, I'm sorry..."
"Be quiet," said Kidwell, now checking herself, "It was not your... Feces! Not your fault, Micah. Don't you dare start absorbing... Dammit! Absorbing the responsibility for this. Flames!"
"You followed procedure, my brother," said Ferrel, steadier now, "Good thing, too. What happened?"
"We got our duffs drubbed," said Kidwell, "Micah, they hit like you do. But they don't stop. Is Sonya all right?"
"She's fine," said Micah, "Just out. The constables should be here before long."
"SEU," corrected Kidwell, "Hurry up, Charles. We need to vanish before they arrive."
Micah tried to voice a protest but Kidwell forestalled him.
"No, Micah. We need to be elsewhere. I'm basically fine and I'm pretty sure Charlie is, too."
Ferrel nodded. "Six-sigma. As of now we three plus our attackers are the only ones who know you had help, my brother."
Micah tried to think of a counter to that but failed.
"I've been much worse, Micah," said Ferrel, "Six-sigma truth. You ready, dear?"
Kidwell rose to her feet and the two of them only limped a little as they started for the alleyway.
"Best hurry, my brother," said Ferrel, "I can hear sirens."
Micah heard them now too. As the others left he made his way back to Manselli. She had a strong pulse and good, regular breath.
By the time the SEU arrived he had all of his and Manselli's valuables removed and shallowly buried and he sat beside her.
Table of Contents
Chapter 10. Night of Deception
Chapter 13. An Accent Remembered
Chapter 15. My Enemy, My Friend
Chapter 16. The Prince's Story
Chapter 17. Rapid Flight Protocol
Chapter 19. Dedication, Duty and Dessert