The Gift of Intelligence

"Get up slowly."

The guard removed his foot and allowed Jess to stand. Ten fully armored guards surrounded him. One jerked his helmet off his head. "You won't be needing this."

They were Gillya, Jess knew, because he could sense no emotion in them. He knew they would kill without thought, without mercy, and without guilt. Huskus wanted him alive for some reason, and that was the only reason he was still breathing.

The wagon rolled up to them.

"Get in."

Jess obeyed. Four of the soldiers climbed in also. They placed Jess in the center of the wagon and they sat one to each corner.

The driver clucked at the horses and the wagon jolted forward. Two of the Gillyas walked alongside the wagon, two walked beside the wagon, and two followed. Jess would go nowhere unless they told him to.

The wagon reached the bridge that crossed the aqueduct that fed the moat. Halfway across the bridge, the wagon stopped.

"Take a good look at that water," one of them said.

At first, Jess saw nothing but when his eyes focused after a few seconds, he saw shadows flitting through the water. His breath caught. Dagger darts swam everywhere.

"We dispose of our prisoners in these waters. The river sweeps the bones downstream. It's all neat and tidy. Have you ever seen a swarm of dagger darts attack a man's face?"

Jess said nothing because he could barely breathe.