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Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – October 25th Warlord’s Return And Kralj’s Protection

Warlord’s Return – Final Scene Of The First Chapter

Warlord’s Return releases next week! Woot!

This week, I’m sharing the fourth and final scene in its first chapter.

You can read the first scene from the first chapter of Warlord’s Return here:
http://tasteofcyn.com/?p=7513

***

Even Kralj had a mate.

Dita, the Ruler’s tiny assassin female, sat beside the male.
Her gaze was on them, her eyes bright with interest.

“Kralj, sir.” Second’s voice was edged with the respect the
Ruler warranted.

“Chameles, Medic.” Those words seemed to come from
everywhere. “There has been increased Humanoid Alliance activity on Carinae E.
You will forgo your planned orbit of the planet and proceed directly to the
Refuge.”

Ariq gaped at the male.

They had discussed that aerial tour briefly the previous
planet rotation on the bridge, hadn’t told any other being about it, hadn’t
communicated their plans through any other means.

“We will do as you suggest, sir.” Second nodded.

“It wasn’t a suggestion.” Kralj’s tone was dry. “You will
allow your unexpected passenger to exit your ship first. You won’t give her any
indication you are aware of her presence.”

“That will make the first task challenging.” Qulpa muttered
that comment under his breath.

Ariq was more concerned about Lysagh’s well-being than the
issue of when she left the ship. Kralj was a terrifying being, but Ariq wouldn’t
allow that male or anyone else to hurt the girl. “If you harm her—”

The shadows swirling around Kralj’s face darkened
menacingly. “You will do nothing. Because you can do nothing.”

Another wave of energy blasted Ariq. It was so strong he was
flung back against his chair. Almost bone-breaking pressure pushed against his
chest.

“He seeks to protect her, sir.” Dita placed one of her hands
on Kralj’s arm. “He didn’t mean to disrespect you.”

The wall of wind flattening Ariq immediately dissipated.

He gasped air. His lungs, ribs, all of him, ached.

“The girl is under my protection.” Kralj astonished him with
that admission. The number of beings fortunate to be under the Ruler’s
protection were few.

Lysagh would be completely safe within the Refuge. Ariq
relaxed. He didn’t know why the Kralj had granted her that status, but he was
grateful for it.

“You will arrange for her to leave the ship first.” The
Ruler demanded that of him.

Ariq dipped his head. “I will arrange it, sir.”

At least one of them would have an exciting visit to the
Refuge.

“And you will lead the expedition to the clone
community.” Kralj knew of those plans also. Seven-One wanted to speak with the
Carinae E clones, learn how they reproduced without any degradation.
“Seven-One, Yesun, Dialo, Vietor, and Jeden will accompany you and the guide.”

Son of a Gechii. Ariq struggled to keep his expression
blank. Dialo, Vietor and Jeden were the sons of one of Kralj’s modified
humanoids. Seven-One and Yesun had roughly the same maturity level as the
winged triplets.

Ariq would be leading all youths.

That would be akin to aligning rock vultures in flight—an
impossible and extremely frustrating venture. And there would be little
opportunity to do anything other than keep them alive and out of trouble.

There would be no battles, no killing, no bloodshed for him.

“Kralj, sir.” Lead Medic’s forehead furrowed with thought
lines. “I was hoping to join them, to see the cloning facilities, learn—”

“You are needed in the Refuge, Medic.” Kralj denied her
request. “That is all.”

The main viewscreen reverted to the image of distant stars
and the blackness of space.

Silence stretched.

“So that was Kralj.” Head of Ship and Weapons Design blew
out her breath. “I now understand what you meant when you said he exuded
power.” She touched her chest. “I’ve never felt anything like it.”

She hadn’t felt the full impact of the Ruler’s skills. Ariq
hurt all over.

“He seemed to like Ariq.” Second’s eyes glowed with
amusement.

“I would prefer if he liked me a little less.” Ariq lowered
his voice, not trusting that the male couldn’t hear their conversation.

He sought a battle, not his own execution. Disrespecting the
Ruler was a death sentence.

“I have a list of questions I want to ask the Carinae E
clones.” Lead Medic slipped off Second’s lap. “Since you’ll be accompanying
Seven-One, Ariq, I’ll share them with both of you.”

“Seven-One is the scientist.” Ariq had no interest in those
matters. “Not I.”

Lead Medic met his gaze. “I’ll train you in what you
need to know.” Her tone expressed that wasn’t open for discussion.

Ugh. Ariq rose to his booted feet.

He dreaded the upcoming expedition more and more with each
passing moment.

***

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Warlord’s Return

Ariq is a barbarian warrior seeking a war.

He locates that battle when he meets Xareni.

* * *

Ariq is one of Chamele’s top warriors. A genetic
predisposition to fighting, paired with intensive training and experience, has
honed the scarred male into an effective killing machine. He loves war, can’t
live without combat.

The Succession Wars, however, have finally ended and the
Chamele sector is now at peace. Seeking excitement and purpose, the barbarian
warrior accompanies his Second to the Refuge, an outlaw settlement on Carinae
E. He hopes to locate the battle he’s been craving there.

Ariq finds that conflict and more when he meets his fated
mate.

Xareni owes the Ruler of the Refuge a favor. That’s the only
reason she has returned to the settlement. She doesn’t like crowds or
structures or a certain barbarian warrior who insists on following her
everywhere. It doesn’t matter that there’s a connection between them, that he
makes her burn with desire, that he looks at her with heat in his dark eyes.

She’s a monster and monsters don’t need anyone.

* * *

Warlord’s Return is a STANDALONE Alien Barbarian SciFi
Romance featuring a determined barbarian warrior, an equally resolute human
female, and an eyeball-eating mini dragon.

Pre-order Now:

Amazon US:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1

Amazon UK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1

Amazon AUS:

https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FTJY7P1

Apple Books:

https://books.apple.com/us/book/warlords-return/id1527631786

B&N:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warlords-return-cynthia-sax/1137482152

Kobo: