The Heartstone Saga, Archibald Bradford [the snowy day read aloud TXT] 📗

as Jasmine’s tail puffed up and she let out a startled yowl; “Get behind this Jasmine, keep your head low. And please remember, you are safe now.”

With that he picked up the cloth wrapped object that he had set by his chair and quickly vaulted in front of the table, placing himself between her and the door while simultaneously pulling a hidden canister from his belt.

A thumping noise came down the hall and the fat man burst into the room again.

“It’s the Aegis! Quickly! Give me her stone! Jasmine we’re leaving!”

The young Katje, now huddled behind the table, peeked over the edge but didn’t move.

The wiry man had her heartstone so she had to do what he said, and he had told her to get behind the table, but if she ignored Leland’s orders…

“Not tonight, tonight she is staying with me.” Her mysterious customer announced.

His voice was so steady that she almost believed him.

But Leland was too big, and had such a nasty temper when people didn’t do as he asked.

Sure enough a hateful sneer spread across his face.

“Are you stupid boy?! You think that I’ll let you steal her just ‘cause we’re in the middle of a raid?! Give me her heart!”

The terrified Katje whimpered and covered her ears but was unable to look away.

Leland stomped forwards, pulling a familiar barbed cudgel from his belt. She knew the cruel weapon all too well, as it cost her part of her ear and the use of her eye.

With speed that belied his size he lunged forwards and brought the cudgel down with all his strength.

But the little man was ready, bringing up the cloth covered object and blocking his heavier opponent’s blow.

As the cudgel struck, the cloth was burned away by a blazing golden light and the object was revealed to be a brilliant heater shield, the force of the light exploding outwards and sending Leland careening back to land heavily by the door.

Stunned beyond words, Jasmine looked at the one who stood between her and the owner who had beaten and abused her for the last three years.

He moved to loom over the fat man before speaking with authority.

“Leland Brown, you are bound by law. Try to get up and I will have to hurt you. So please. Try.”

Sadly the fat man wasn’t conscious anymore, so he couldn’t try anything.

Jasmine worked her tongue over her lips, and then dared to speak.

“Wh-who are you?”

His canister unneeded, the man stowed it back on his belt and knelt down to roughly search Leland for any other weapons, the fat man’s cudgel now no more than a charred stub in his limp hand.

Once satisfied he stood up again.

“I am Aegis Operator Third Class William Armstrong.”

After he spoke he threw her a reassuring look over his shoulder and his gaze held her in place; she was awed to see that his eyes were now a radiant gold, and for the first time since she was a kitten she actually did feel safe.

He winked at her then.

“But you can call me Nameless.”

Chapter 2: Sunrise

As the pair exited the building the young Katje was still in awe of the Aegis operative holding her tight to his side protectively.

Immediately after tying up Leland he dipped his hand in his pocket and handed her heartstone back to her.

It was the first time she’d been allowed to touch the copper coloured jewel since she was eight years old.

She held it clenched so tight her knuckles were white.

The second thing he did was wrap her in a blanket from his bag to preserve her modesty. It was warm.

“You did all of this... just to save me?”

“Not exactly Jasmine. We didn’t know how many girls were held here so several of us were sent in undercover to keep you safe until the raid began.”

“Neru.”

“Mmm?”

“My name. It’s Neru, only Leland and-” She swallowed; “Only they ever call me Jasmine.”

“Neru, I like it. Jasmine never really fit.” He said with a warm chuckle.

“Are you really with the Aegis?” She murmured, her hands bunched under the fabric and cradling the downy wool to her neck.

She felt tiny in his arms despite being nearly the same height.

“Yeah. Well, technically I’m still on probation.”

His eyes was constantly moving as they spoke, scanning the area for danger as he guided her away from the ramshackle whore-house.

The crude building was tucked away on the edge of a clearing in the middle of a dense forest; if one didn’t know how to find it then one never would, which is how the people that ran it had stayed in business for so long.

It was organized chaos outside, a few small fires burned and several naked men, as well as a few women, were on their knees with their hands behind their heads while a mixed bag of monster girls and people in Aegis uniforms kept a wary eye on them, the girls menacing them any time they so much as twitched.

All of the activity had the nervous Katje’s tail flicking repeatedly in agitation.

A woman in the ubiquitous grey uniform approached them, flanked by a Wolfen on one side and an Amazon carrying a Gripau on her back on the other.

“Namel- shit. Armstrong, report.” Her voice was authoritative and gravelly, but warm.

“Aegis Holt.” He saluted in greeting; “One perp, a Leland Brown, is tied up on the second floor, back right room. He’s very excited to meet you.”

“You left him there?” She frowned.

“Unconscious, very unconscious actually. Besides, my priority was to get Neru out.” He replied.

She gave him long enough of a glare to make him start to doubt himself before her eyes flicked to the frightened Katje and she smiled slightly.

“Right, we’ll talk later. Don’t