Warrior's Paradox (Cadi Warriors Book 3)

by Stephanie West

  “So, I’m supposed to trust that you’re going to come back and just hand over my portion of the palladium? How do I know my Toufik won’t sell for twice what you tell me?” Cyprian demanded.

  “Don’t overstep,” Mave growled. “You’re not the only concerned party involved. I know you’re used to giving orders, since you were a ranking commander in the Anzac guard, but there are better males than you involved here. Unfortunately, not everyone can come along.”

  Cyprian knew being a ‘former’ member of Kagan’s elite army was going to cause him trouble. But there was no way he could erase the warrior’s ink on his arms and chest, which screamed the details of his service. Sadly, there were more than enough racist Cadi on both sides, that his story was believed.

  “Fine, but I want the auction recorded,” Cyprian conceded, though he didn’t plan on letting Thunder out of his sight.

  Mave walked away to talk to one of his men, so Cyprian took the opportunity to approach Vintor and Thunder.

  “Kali, this place is disgusting,” Vintor declared with a sniff and a scowl.

  “Shit, I’m sorry,” Cyprian subtly gestured to Thunder. “I’ll try to get you out of here as soon as possible.”

  Thunder nodded with a grimace.

  “The cells are full,” Mave frowned as he approached Cyprian.

  “That’s not a problem, these beasts know not to cross me.”

  Cyprian raised his hand, like he was going to strike Thunder. The Toufik male played his part well, as he cringed and ducked down. The others also backed up, looking fearful. Cyprian almost burst out laughing. He was one of a few Cadi warriors who’d witnessed these usually passive people fight. The Toufik could rip your arm off, if they wanted to. If the Cadi smugglers weren’t ridiculously armed, they’d likely all be dead by now.

  “You’re sure you don’t want me to come along? My cruiser will easily transport another fifty Toufik into orbit,” Cyprian attempted again.

  Vintor’s kin had been kind enough to upgrade the Zaxes cruiser, while Cyprian and Vintor located Mave and his band of rebels. They were lucky the cruiser hadn’t required much.

  “Not this time my friend,” Mave said with a smile as he clapped Cyprian on the back. “Besides we’re heading out soon.”

  Cyprian had to resist the urge to shrug the male’s hand off.

  “Ah here comes the rest of the chattel now,” Mave announced.

  Cyprian turned to see a handful of rota pulling trailers laden with supplies. When they stopped in the hangar, Toufik stood from amidst the sacks. Cyprian froze when he saw June was among the Toufik being herded off the vessels. She met his gaze for a moment, her large dark eyes went from fearful to relieved, then quickly looked away. Cyprian sighed, thankful June hadn’t given him away. He would’ve understood if she had, since she looked positively terrified.

  This was why Ashtoret hailed me. What in Kali’s name happened?

  June’s unexpected arrival had Cyprian worried. He glanced over at Vintor, to see his concerned expression. Something had happened to Tytus and Ashtoret. Not only were the males an important part of this mission, they were his closest friends.

  “Adeoda, what is this?” Mave asked as he strode towards the smuggler holding June.

  “A little something to sweeten our haul at auction,” the battle-hardened warrior stated proudly.

  Cyprian critically studied the warrior, Adeoda. The male was an experienced fighter. The dirty laborers uniform wasn’t fooling anyone.

  “Who is this?” Adeoda pointed his disrupter at Cyprian as he stalked forwards aggressively.

  Cyprian didn’t bat an eye.

  “This is Cyprian. He’s brought the first of many Toufik to come from the north,” Mave replied.

  “I know you,” Adeoda growled. “You were the lead general at the battle of Lutrig.”

  “Congratulations you can read,” Cyprian said sarcastically, as he pointed to the markings on his chest. His exploits from that particular gruesome battle occupied a large swath of his flesh. “I’m guessing you were there.”

  “Yes,” the male snarled as he stepped toe to toe with Cyprian.

  “That was in the past. I’m here to do business. Is this going to be a problem?” Cyprian asked Mave, ignoring Adeoda.

  “Adeoda, step down,” Mave insisted. “This isn’t the first Vidya Cadi you’ve worked with.”

  “The others weren’t this male.”

  “Let it go. We don’t have time for this. Where did you find the human?” Mave asked as he pulled Adeoda back.

  Another male walked up wearing an Armigerant uniform.

  “The human is mated to one of the warriors sent by the Daimio, to investigate the camp.”

  “Bohdan, why are you here instead of at the refugee camp?”

  “That raid was a disaster. You should’ve payed off more of the camp guards. There’s no way I can return after the mess that ensued,” Bohdan replied.

  “You fucking bastard. You were supposed to protect these people,” June screamed at Bohdan as she struggled against the male holding her.

  “The human female is spirited,” Mave smiled. “It looks like you got the quota, plus some.”

  “We lost three males and were forced to flee the camp. These Toufik are from the dulcis plantation,” Adeoda replied. “You should know we might have killed Stigand, and certainly angered Sundara.”

  “Son of a metcor,” Mave cursed. “Feroze is going to be pissed. All we need is the regent’s involvement. I’ve been doing my best to keep him off our tails, then you pull this,” Mave growled.

  “Didn’t you say this male has access to more Toufik up north?” Adeoda snarled back. “We’ll just move, if Feroze becomes difficult.”

  “We’ll deal with this later. Get all the chattel loaded on the cruiser,” Mave commanded.

  “I’ll escort the little human aboard. I’ve heard about them. It’s intriguing how small, yet fierce, they are. Look at her. She’s like a tiny metcor cub,” Cyprian offered, to get June away from the males.

  “She is amusing. What do you think you’re going to do little thing?” Mave turned amused eyes to June.

  “Come closer, and I’ll show you what I can do,” June snarled. “Let go of me, asshole. Where do you think I’m going to go, with all you bastards around?”

  “Go ahead, Cyprian. Take her onto the vessel,” Mave waved them off.

  Tytus quo Munitor

  “Cyprian’s not answering,” Ashtoret growled.

  “Great,” Tytus replied sarcastically as he piloted the rota. “Get on your handheld and contact Kagan or whoever will answer.”

  “I can’t believe how many of those camp guards outright refused to assist me, and then a third just disappeared altogether,” Ashtoret rumbled as he looked at the few honorable males who joined them to rescue June and the plantation Toufik.

  Tytus gritted his teeth. They were over an hour behind the caravan of smugglers, and he had no idea what they were walking into. They really needed to reach Cyprian to get intel on what the situation was, before they arrived in Bremin.

  “Daimio we have a situation. We were attacked at the camp. Tytus’ mate and several Toufik from a nearby estate were abducted. We’re pursuing them now. The tracking plates show that June is converging on the same location where Cyprian and the others are. But I can’t get ahold of him,” Ashtoret quickly related to Dagaa and Kagan.

  “Do what you need to do. I would like to know where the smugglers are taking the Toufik, but I’m not willing to sacrifice so many more to do it,” Daimio Kagan growled.

  Tytus sighed in relief. He didn’t want to sabotage the mission, but at this point he didn’t care. June was in danger. The group of smugglers nearly killed Stigand, and had no problem killing several people at the camp. His only consolation was that June was with Cyprian, Vintor and Thunder. The males would do their damnedest to keep anything from happening to her.

  “I don’t know where Feroze found the Armigerant guards for the
camp, but half of them deserted,” Ashtoret reported.

  “That male is more bureaucrat than warrior. I should’ve known, he’d have no clue what to do in a situation like this. I’m sending warriors down to take over at the camp. Unfortunately, they won’t be there in time to assist you,” Kagan grumbled. “Go with Kali.”

  No sooner had Kagan signed off, then Ashtoret’s handheld pinged again.

  “Ashtoret, what is going on?” Cyprian whispered.

  Tytus glanced at the screen, and saw that Cyprian was in a vessel, but not the one he’d repaired.

  “The camp was attacked.”

  “I know. I’ve got June. Quick, I don’t have much time. Is Tytus okay?”

  Tytus huffed, his shoulders relaxing. He was relieved to hear June was already with the general.

  “I’m fine,” Tytus said as he maneuvered the rota on the road.

  “Thank god,” June whispered with a catch in her voice.

  It was so good to hear her melodic voice. Tytus had been out of his mind with worry.

  “We’re heading your way with a handful of Cadi and Toufik males,” Ashtoret reported.

  “That won’t be enough. There are at least twenty armed smugglers in the large hangar at the rear of the landing field. They’ve started loading the cruiser with the Toufik for launch. My contact still refuses to disclose the location of the auction, but I know it’s off-world.” Cyprian growled.

  “Maybe one of you can commandeer the cruiser once it’s loaded,” Ashtoret suggested.

  “Not likely. It’s a first-rate vessel. The controls are probably coded. And as many males as are here, it’ll take a major distraction to get them away from the ship,” Cyprian replied grimly.

  “I’m sure it’ll get their attention when we approach,” Tytus spoke up.

  “I don’t know if it will be soon enough. Son of a metcor, we must go,” Cyprian growled.

  “Set your handheld to silent. I’ll buzz you when we reach the landing field,” Ashtoret quickly spoke as Cyprian cut off.

  “We need to hurry. Everyone be prepared,” Tytus snarled as he pushed the rota to go faster.

  June

  Finding Cyprian, then hearing Tytus was okay, took the sharp edge off the fear that was threatening to overwhelm June. But they were far from out of danger.

  June’s heart raced a million miles a minute as one of the smugglers passed her and Cyprian in the corridor, leading a group of Toufik to the lower hold. Thankfully the general had hung-up in time.

  “I have Tytus’ handheld.” June lifted the edge of her skirt. “And I have this.” June showed him the disrupter under her shirt.

  Cyprian looked around, then quickly silenced her handheld.

  “Keep them hidden. I’ll send a message to Ashtoret. You’ll feel him buzz when they get close.”

  “Okay. I may have an idea,” June said. She nibbled her lip as the crazy plan coalesced in her mind. Tytus had warned her about doing the things she was debating, but June could see no way around it. “We need to give the guys time to reach us, and we need a distraction, right?”

  “Yes,” Cyprian replied as he quirked his brow at her. “What are you up to female?”

  She’d seen that look on his face before. Cyprian was a good guy, but he kept underestimating her. June felt sorry for any woman saddled with the general. He’d likely swaddle the poor girl in bubble wrap, and try to dictate her every move, in a misguided attempt to protect her.

  “A man named Gandhi said that ‘strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.’ These assholes shot at Tytus and hurt my friend. I am feeling extra indomitable at the moment. Just follow along and make sure you stay clear of the rota I arrived on. You said this ship’s controls are coded, but do you think we can seal the doors and hold those bastards at bay?”

  Cyprian’s eyed her critically. June hoped he didn’t balk.

  Don’t be macho.

  “Probably. Thunder can help hold the vessel,” he replied.

  Let’s hope so.

  June waited till Bohdan, the traitor, approached, then she started struggling in Cyprian’s grasp. She swung and slapped him hard in the face. His eyes widened in genuine surprise.

  “Get me off this god damn ship. It stinks so bad I’m going to puke,” she screamed.

  June doubled over in front of Bohdan, gagging and spitting on his boots. The traitor danced back.

  “Do you want to be trapped on here with this smell?” she asked him, as she wiped her mouth.

  Bohdan sniffed and grimaced. June nearly laughed as she saw him considering the problem.

  “The least you could do is hose the Toufik off, before you trap us all in here,” she railed.

  “It’s not my problem. I’m not the one going into space on the flying dung heap,” Cyprian added. “Come on, get your last breath of fresh air. I don’t want to smell your vomit on top of this stench,” the general said as he tugged her to the loading bay door.

  “It’s not a bad idea.” Bohdan shook his head with a furrowed brow.

  June felt bad for the Toufik as she watched them get hosed down, before being loaded back onto the spaceship again.

  “I’m getting wet standing this close,” June bitched as she tugged at Cyprian’s arm.

  “Then go stand over there,” Cyprian shoved her towards the plantation rota. “Good luck with that female,” he declared to the smuggler nearby.

  “We’ll lock her in her in with the Toufik,” Adeoda commented as he passed with a group of dripping Toufik.

  “I bet she can scream loud enough it’ll reverberate through the ship either way,” Cyprian said.

  June smiled at the comment as she examined the rota, taking note of the various bags that had been loaded onto the wagons.

  I think there should be just enough here, June mused.

  The handheld on her leg vibrated as she finished inventorying all that she had to work with. June glanced at Cyprian, who nodded subtly at her. She looked to see that most of the washed Toufik were already on the ship.

  Either this works or we’re screwed.

  “What are you doing out here?” Mave demanded.

  June jumped in surprise, then squared her shoulders.

  “Trying not to be sick from the stench of those people,” June countered as she stepped towards him threateningly.

  She knew she was no match for the Cadi warrior, but sometimes attitude was all you had.

  “Too bad we have to sell you. You are rather entertaining,” Mave replied, while looking her up and down.

  “Annoying, is the word you were looking for,” Cyprian commented as he and Vintor led Thunder towards the ship.

  June had a distinct feeling Cyprian was only sort of joking.

  “That’s okay, I think I prefer the Toufik’s company. At least the filth washes off them,” June retorted snidely as she hustled towards Thunder.

  “I’ll be teaching you a thing about respect the moment we reach orbit,” Mave snarled.

  “What in Kali’s name,” Adeoda declared as another smuggler came running inside the hangar.

  “We’ve got three rota approaching. It looks like you were followed Bohdan,” the newcomer snarled.

  “Not possible. Maybe some of those males you bribed got nervous and outed us?” Bohdan attempted to reason with Mave, who was suddenly livid.

  “Let’s go greet our guests,” Mave commanded.

  “Get on the cruiser,” Cyprian snarled at Thunder and his clan, who shuffled up the ramp obediently.

  June paused and watched from the ship’s entrance, as Cyprian, Vintor and the smugglers went out to meet Tytus and Ashtoret. Once Cyprian and Vintor were clear of the plantation rota June turned to Thunder.

  “Can you lock these doors, and keep the smugglers out?” she asked.

  Thunder nodded.

  The sound of fighting reached June’s ears.

  It’s show time.

  “Get everyone clear of these doors.”

>   Thunder went to the loading bay control panel and started tapping away.

  June pulled the disrupter from her waistband and aimed it at the rota, laden with supplies from the plantation. They were a large enough target, she wouldn’t miss.

  “Let me show you what fertilizer and sugar can do,” she smiled grimly as she fired.

  Tytus quo Munitor

  Tytus circled around a small shed at the back of the hangar then stopped cold.

  “What is that male doing here?” he muttered under his breath.

  Tytus stared at Feroze, who was getting off a rota. Tytus marched over to the foolish male. The regent quickly pulled his disrupter as his head swung towards Tytus in surprise.

  “Whoa, it’s me.” Tytus held up his hands. “Did the guards tell you we were here? You shouldn’t have come.”

  The regent would be in the way more than he would be helpful.

  “Um, yes. I thought I could…” Feroze started to say, then jumped as disrupter fire sounded from the front of the hangar.

  “Just stick to my tail,” Tytus growled.

  He didn’t have time for this. Tytus couldn’t believe the regent foolishly thought he was going to come to their aid. The male was going to get his tail handed to him.

  Tytus charged towards the rear door of the hangar and eased it open. He peered in, then nodded to Feroze over his shoulder. Just as he hoped the smugglers were distracted by Ashtoret’s arrival. Tytus said a prayer that his friend wasn’t injured as the smugglers returned fire.

  “Hug the wall,” Tytus instructed the regent, as they crept into the building.

  A sudden explosion rocked the entire hangar, knocking Tytus and Feroze against the wall. Tytus’ eyes widened as the rota at the far entrance were consumed by fiery carnage. The smugglers started yelling in confusion. It was pandemonium.

  “What was that?” Feroze stammered.

  Seriously? You saw the same thing I did. Tytus glared at the male.

  Tytus looked towards the closing loading bay doors on the large cruiser. He caught a glimpse of June retreating inside the ship, along with Thunder. He didn’t know what they’d done, but it had effectively separated the smugglers from their ship.

  That’s my female.