Hail to the Queen (Sage Trilogy, Book 3) by Julius St. Clair Page B

whispered in my ear, ‘Go, and be a witness to the horror I will bring to this world.’”
    “Who could have -“
    A blood-curdling scream escaped from their captor , and everyone turned to face Jester who was now bent over, and laughing hysterically. The two men by his side looked at Nadia for guidance as she held up a hand for them to stay vigilant. Catherine couldn’t help but notice that Lex took a few steps back.
    “What’s so funny?” Catherine asked turning to the captive.
    “Oh, oh, oh,” Jester tried to gather himself. “ It’s just I love the way my master makes his plans. Your story was just so hilarious!”
    “Seven Quietus lost their lives,” Catherine said angrily. “I hardly think that’s funny.”
    “Oh, and it’s gets better! See, this Quietus’s story was the signal!”
    “The signal?”
    “Yep! My master sent me here saying that I’ll know when to act once I get the signal. And that signal, will come from the mouth of a Quietus, who will tell a story about the decimation of his group. The only Quietus my master has ever left alive! Now, I can begin my work. I hope you’re ready for a little heartburn, Princess.”
    Catherine began powering up the stone just as Jester shrugged hi s shoulders and the ropes were torn apart into tiny pieces. He smiled and reached out to her just as Lex stepped in the way. Jester didn’t hesitate to plunge his hand right through the Quietus’ chest.
    “Run, Princess!” Lex cried out as his body went limp. The two men who had been next to Jester lunged forward with their scythes but Jester ripped the scythes from their forearms and in one fluid motion, stabbed them in the chest. Nadia began transforming but Jester pushed her aside hard, sending her flying into one of the huts that immediately crashed down upon her. Catherine grit her teeth and punched toward Jester with her right hand but he caught it, smiled, and gave it a peck from his lips.
    Then he broke her wrist .
    “Oh, Catherine,” Jester mused as she screamed. “You’re so feisty. Such spirit. I think I could fall in love. Show me your heart.”
    Catherine threw a punch with her left, but Jester caught it also with the same hand, his fingers stretching over both of her closed fists and wrapping around her wrists. As he held onto them, he reached forward with his other hand towards Catherine’s chest, slowly inching his way menacingly as she fought against his strength. Just as the tips of his fingers began piercing the outer layer of her skin, she screamed for him to stop. Jester looked up with a quizzical look and she powered down the stone enough to bring back her green eyes. Jester smiled.
    “Yes, Princess? Need time to stall?”
    “I surrender,” she said, fighting through the pain coming from her wrist. “I surrender to you and your master.”
    “Oh?”
    “But only if you leave the Quietus alone. Don’t kill anyone. Do that and I’ll come willingly. Isn’t that better than having to fight?”
    “I don’t know,” Jester said, looking at her chest. “Seems like I already won to me. Why make a deal?”
    “Because I’ll fight you with all the power I can muster to the very end. And it doesn’t matter if I can’t win. I’m sure I’ll be able to rip off a limb or two.”
    “You make such compelling arguments,” he chuckled. “And I applaud your request. I agree to your terms. But only because my master would be quite angry if I took all the fun for myself. Before we head off though…let me fill you in on something. The Quietus…they are not human. Did you know that? These creatures you’re so willing to throw your life away for, they’re nothing but pawns. Are you so ready to take a deal after hearing that?”
    “I don’t believe it ,” Catherine said adamantly, glancing at the Quietus above them, waiting for Jester to drop his guard. “I don’t believe it for one second. They’re no different than I am.”
    “That’s where you’re wrong,” Jester giggled.