Chapter 54: Tribute

Chapter 54: Tribute

I worked the list of names I got from the slaves methodically, one at a time. I hit the nearest settlement first. It was a small town of less than twenty called Osed, named for what remained on an old sign just outside an outdoor mall. I didnt bother with subtlety on this one, just went straight up to the front gate where a bored woman stood with a rifle, not realizing I was there until I was at the gate.

She stood and pointed the rifle at me. What do you want, edman?

I looked her in the eye, and she trembled a bit. I hadnt bothered covering my face, the goal was fear. I flashed my cogwheel marshall badge. Jeremy. Where is he?

The guard found some backbone and steadied herself. In his house I magine.New novel chapters are published on

Hes wanted. Sold a deadman into slavery.

The woman nodded. Splains all the points hes been throwing around. Also where that 'edman that lived down the way disappeared to.

Open the gate.

The woman shook her head. Aint no way Im letting some filthy-

I froze her, leapt up over the top of the gate, disarmed, and backhanded her. She rolled a few feet and I picked her up by the collar. Which ones Jeremys house?

She was dazed, but managed to point at a building that read TA TO with several missing letters. I dropped her and went straight for where shed pointed. I drew my pistol and kicked open the door.

A confused man looked up from his bed, a syringe in his arm, likely Drift based on the size of his pupils. In spite of his state he managed to reach for a gun which he moved to point in my direction. I shot his arm before he could fire and he dropped his weapon, causing it to discharge, breaking what little remained of the glass in the front of his home. I moved to grab him by the arm I shot, and started dragging him into the middle of Osed, firing a few shots into the air to get everyones attention. A small crowd was gathered as I made my way to the center of their town, some armed, most just curious.

I nodded. A private one.

He leapt back onto his dais. Granted. However, I will not be able to oblige until the sun falls. Quarters will be granted and food given until then. He made a gesture at his wife and she nodded and climbed the set of stairs not five feet from the Khan which Id never seen him use.

She gestured at me to follow her and I did so. I was led to a room much like the one Id been in the first time Id stayed in Fette. Simple, a cot, small table. I placed my pack down and found that the Khans wife was still there.

The letters? Did you deliver them?

I nodded.

Did they was anything written back?

I shook my head.

She sighed. Sara will be disappointed. Thank you, Donovan. She turned to leave, but hesitated. Be truthful.

Excuse me? I asked, wondering if she was calling me out on the letters.

Just some advice for when you meet the Khan. I can say no more. She turned and left the room.

I stood there for a moment. Be truthful was often bad advice, particularly in the wastes. Now, I already hadnt intended to lie to the Khan, quite the opposite, but maybe that was the warning. Maybe he already had an idea of why I was here, and knew enough that if I didnt admit to something he suspected, I would be in danger. It was a hard needle to thread, and I wasnt exactly the best at politics and intrigue. I took my canteen from my bag and had a long sip. I really preferred difficult situations I could shoot my way out of to those I needed to talk through.