THE BASTARD SON OF THE VIKINGS
“Our rule is not optional. Palermo will bend. Palermo will obey. And any man who doubts this leaves alive only by our mercy.”
Another murmur ran through the hall. Men looked at one another, fear and respect battling in their eyes. None moved. None dared.
Then, from the back, a young, wiry man muttered, “We wait for Valenti. His return is inevitable. None here can claim his authority.”
Vanguard’s eyes narrowed, dangerous. “Then you will die waiting,” he said, blade flashing. In a heartbeat, the man’s throat was cut. Blood sprayed across the stone floor. The others gasped, some falling back, hands covering mouths.