Broken Wings (35 page)

["Rise, Prime Commander."]

Valdas obeyed and looked down at
another Shirukan on hands and knees, a palace guard pressing down
at each shoulder. Sandral looked up, her lips pressed tightly
together in defiance, but the glint of fear in her amber
eyes.

One of the two guards flanking her
handed Valdas his weapon.

["Fix your mistake,"] the cool voice
of the empress commanded.

The two guards grabbed Corsa's arms
and pulled her upright on her knees, her arms and wings pinned to
her back.

That could be her, but Marin spared
her. Valdas wouldn't question the generosity, but neither did she
feel it necessary to kill one of her best agents. Lieutenant
Sandral had done well until the end of her mission.

Valdas aimed the rod point blank for
Corsa's chest. The indicator near her thumb showed full
power.

Corsa's lip twitched, but she held her
tongue. She knew she had failed, but she had learned from that.
Shouldn't she be allowed to rectify the situation? Valdas could use
her experience to recapture the Crystal Keeper. Corsa knew all the
hiding places of the rebels in Naviketan. She knew their tactics.
And she knew a little about Raea.

["She's an asset."] Valdas swallowed.
No one dared question Empress Marin.

["Fix your mistake."] The disembodied
voice gave the command firmly but without anger.

Valdas aimed the weapon for a moment
and dropped her hand. Corsa's eyes fixed on her with relief.
["She's more useful alive. I can use her to finish the
job."]

Silence filled the room. Had she
offended the empress? Was her life forfeit for not taking the life
of an officer under her command? She'd never faced Marin's
judgment.

Without any order, the guards lifted
Lieutenant Sandral to her feet and escorted her out. The door
closed behind them.

Valdas glanced up at each guard left
with her, but they stood like the statues in the grand hall. She
still held their weapon.

["I don't waste resources, Prime
Commander. I expect those who serve me to think the same. Go and
contemplate a better strategy for capturing the Starfire
shards."]

Valdas bowed. ["Yes,
Empress."]

__________

ABOUT THE
AUTHOR

Melanie Nilles grew up on a
western North Dakota cattle ranch and farm. Along with her
interest in horses, she always had a fascination with science
fiction and fantasy. She currently resides in central North
Dakota with her family, which includes her husband and kids, and
two cats. Her published works include the
STARFIRE ANGELS
series and the
LEGEND OF THE WHITE DRAGON
epic. Besides writing, she also trains and shows her horse.
For updates, visit her website at
www.melanienilles.com
.

Other available ebooks by Melanie
Nilles:

STARFIRE ANGELS (Starfire Angels Book
1)

WHEN ANGELS CRY (a Starfire Angels
novella)

A TURN OF CURSES

LEGEND OF THE WHITE DRAGON:
LEGENDS

LEGEND OF THE WHITE DRAGON:
LEGACIES

Acknowledgements

A lot of people have supported me
throughout the years who deserve recognition. Writing is a lonely
endeavor requiring many hours alone with people and worlds only the
writer can experience until they're described in words.
Occasionally, we have to return to the real world and acknowledge
that it exists. Good people keep us anchored in reality and boost
us up when reality disappoints us. They keep us moving towards our
dreams.

First and foremost of the people
deserving recognition is my husband, Allen. You've listened when I
discussed aspects of my worlds and given me suggestions. You've
always been there when I was down from rejections and reminded me
of my accomplishments to keep me moving forward. And you've taken
the kids to give me the time to lose myself for as long as I've
needed in the worlds that I've created.

Someone else who deserves a great deal
of credit is Ruth Ann Nordin, an old college friend. Your successes
have proven that there is an audience eager for fresh voices and
stories that don't fit the normal molds.

I also want to acknowledge those who
have taken the time to edit and beta read various drafts throughout
the years, especially Mary Ellen. Your support means more than I
can express in words.

Thank you to all the family and
friends too numerous to name.

Last, I would be remiss if I didn't
acknowledge you, the readers. Thank you for your support and for
sharing my stories with your friends and family.