Light Bringer (Red Rising Saga #6)

by Pierce Brown

The Goblin is a holy terror, yes. He’s a useful tool, he makes the enemy scared and our people brave.” Sevro squints at me, surprised at my sudden agreement. “But Sevro Barca?” I ask. “Hades. He’s the stage on which the Goblin sometimes comes out for a guest appearance. He’s the man who made the Howlers. He’s the one who keeps the Reaper in check. Keeps everyone in check. He was Ragnar’s brother. Sevro’s a leader, a father, a friend. He’s the one Athena sent this message to. Not the Goblin. Not me. We need Sevro to realize how tall he stands. Because if the Golds can beat him into believing he is small, wretched, what hope do the rest of us have?” Sevro says nothing. He stares through me, his hollow eyes drilling holes into the bulkhead behind me. “Last thing I’ll tell you is this, old friend: neither Sevro, nor the Goblin, is of any use fighting his allies, or working against his friends. You done with the Howlers? All right. My offer still stands: I’ll do everything in my power to get you home to your family. Steal you a ship on Io and cover your escape.” “What about the airlock?” “We know you’re not that man.” I squeeze his shoulder, hard. “But if you’re going to run with this pack, stop chewing our legs like we’re all stuck in a trap. This mission matters because it’s the one we are on. Think on it. When we get to Io, I’m going to scout. Whether I do that alone or with Sevro isn’t my call.”