A Sellsword's Wrath (The Seven Virtues #2)

by Jacob Peppers

Belgarin sank into the room’s only chair, cupping his face in his hands, “Please,” he said. “Please just tell me what you want.” “Please,” the creature mocked, “well, very well, Belgarin. How could I say no to such a request? What I want is a new one to look after me. One that speaks and hears and knows. Do you understand?” Belgarin swallowed hard and when he spoke his voice came out lifeless and dull, “You want someone that you can murder.” “Murder?” The thing in the bed asked. “Oh, not murder, Belgarin. How might I do such a thing, when I’ve long since lost the ability even to wipe my own shit? No, it would not be murder. And if it were, I, certainly, would not be the killer. No, knowledge, perhaps. The gaining of it is never easy, as I think you now see.” “Fine,” Belgarin rasped, “Fine, damn you. You’ll have your victim.” “A girl,” the creature said, cocking his head, “a young one.” “Gods be good but you’re a monster.” “Oh, words that wound, my king,” the thing said. “Not a monster, not me. But I will have my payment, or you will leave as you came—with nothing and understanding nothing.” We all do what is necessary. We all do what is necessary. Why must you always break things? “Alright,” Belgarin said, his mouth unaccountably dry, “alright. You will have her. Now, tell me what I need to know.”