Summer of Frost (Forever Fae #3)(25)
“Are you ready, Princess?” Durin asked. Nodding, I walked over and stood a couple of feet behind Brokk so he wouldn’t be able to see me.
“What is she doing?” Brokk demanded, turning his head, trying to see me.
“That is none of your concern,” Durin responded smoothly. “I need to ask you some questions and you’re going to answer them. First, where’s the dark sorcerer?”
Brokk grumbled, “I don’t know, the Black Forest perhaps.”
It was a bold-faced lie, and I could’ve felt the treachery in it a mile away. I shook my head so Durin would know it was a false answer.
Durin lowered his head and clucked his tongue impatiently. “Lies will get you nowhere, Brokk. Without my protection, the dark sorcerer will surely come for your head.”
Brokk shrugged. “I’m dead anyway. So again, I’ll tell you nothing.”
“Sorcha?” Durin called out, gritting his teeth. “Instead of wasting valuable time why don’t we go with your plan? I’m sure it’ll be way more effective.”
I agreed. “I think you’re right.” I left my spot to stand before Brokk. His eyes were wide and unsure, the smell of fear emanated off of him in thick waves. “Are you sure you don’t want to answer the questions we ask?” I asked the dwarf.
He snarled, “I would rather rot.”
Anger coursed through me, and I reacted instantly, letting that rage guide me. Placing my hands on each arm rest and caging him in, I bent down until I was only a few inches from his face. My tone was low and cruel when I whispered, “What are you afraid of, Brokk? You see, I may appear as a weak female to you, but I can do things that would f*ck up that little mind of yours in a heartbeat. Even if I have to do it every night of your life I will, and I’ll enjoy it, too.”
“What are you talking about?” Brokk snapped hesitantly.
“I’m talking about getting into your dreams, little dwarf. Plaguing your mind with fears and insecurities while you piddle along scared shitless. Take for instance, your abhorrence of water …” His smugness left and was replaced with genuine dread. A wicked smile took over my face because I knew I triumphed. “Do you want to drown every night in your dreams? Because I can surely make that happen. Or better yet, do you have a family? How would you like to see them suffer every night because of your greediness for power?”
“Stop!” he demanded. Sweat broke out on his forehead; his eyes were wild and his breathing was frantic. “You are one heartless bitch!” he shouted in anger.
I wasn’t happy with what I said to him, and I’d never torture someone’s family in their dreams. Being cruel like that was never something I did, even to people that deserved it, but I had to use a scare tactic with him.
Shrugging my shoulders, I looked at Brokk impassively. “I’m the daughter of the Ice Queen. What did you expect … flowers and bunnies? This is the last time we’re going to ask before I start the real fun. Will you answer my questions or not?” I asked.
His silence was answer enough, so I backed up and sighed. “Okay, I guess it’s time to put your lights out. Goodnight, little dwarf, I’ll see you soon.”
The warriors stationed around Brokk slowly started moving in. Hands were raised and fists were about to fly. Before the first hit could make its way, Brokk yelled out in defeat. “Stop! I’ll talk. I promise I’ll talk, just tell them to back up!”
The warriors stepped aside while I smiled smugly at Brokk. “I’m glad you could see reason. All right, first question. Where is the dark sorcerer?”
Releasing a heavy breath, Brokk answered, “He’s in the mortal realm.” Truth.
“Why?” I countered.
“Because he wants to recruit mortals since they can wield iron.” Truth.
Angry cries and shouts erupted throughout the room, and this time Drake spoke. “He can’t bring mortals here. Their weapons could endanger us all.”
Brokk nodded. “That’s one of his plans.” Truth.
“Why did you turn on your people?” I asked.
Durin moved closer to hear the answer, looking wary in the process. Brokk noticed, but turned his eyes downward when he revealed his confession. “My wife thought I was weak. When I almost drowned she thought it was a pathetic way to die. She wanted me to redeem myself and our family name of its embarrassment. I had no clue how to do that without power. I was a nobody in the ranks, just a simple messenger.” Truth.
Both Durin and I deflated hearing Brokk’s admission. It was raw and hurtful, and I could feel the pain coming off of him. As much as I pitied him, he still shouldn’t have turned to the dark sorcerer. That was the wrong choice. “I’m sorry about that,” I admitted, meaning every word. “No man should have to hear that from his wife, especially after you went through your ordeal, but it doesn’t make what you did right. Once you leave here you’ll be in Durin’s possession, but if you answer my next questions truthfully you’ll be redeemed by the Winter Court.”
Defeated, Brokk sighed and hung his head. “What else do you need to know?”
“Where is the sacred scroll?” I asked.
Terrified, he glanced up quickly. “How do you know about that?” When I didn’t answer, he groaned and explained, “The scroll is hidden at the highest peak in the Endelyn Mountains. No one can travel there by foot so the dark sorcerer thought it best to hide it there. It’s hidden inside a wooden box, and buried under a pile of rocks. With your powers you’ll be able to sense its location.” Truth.