Read Broken Glass (Glass Complex Book 1) for Free Online Page A

invaders have established—a firm foothold in Castlehome, using Lady Gaetja as their puppet. They bribed the—stupid woman, promising power for her infant son. They used their star ships to destroy the Castle’s heavy defenses. To ensure she—her son can rule—uncontested—they have carried out mass executions. I am sorry—your immediate family—all members—are dead. You are now in line—after your cousins Rakyd and Taroc—who so far have managed to avoid capture—to take the title of true Earl—and we must protect—”
    The voice faded and after a brief pause, began again. This time the voice was stronger, aided by a source that Steg could feel although he could not identify it. The Acolyte’s grip on Steg’s arm did not loosen.
    “The Imperial invaders are in control of Castlehome and of the Castle. However, they gained access only to limited and remote units of the Glass Complex. We—” His body shook with a spasm of pain. “The Acolytes performed a rather crude lobotomy and separated a small fraction—less than five percent—of the Glass Complex, which is now in the control of the Imperials. They do not realize—they do not understand the true functions of the Complex. We are re-building and extending—it will take time—we will protect the rightful heirs of Homeworld. Steg de Coeur—you must leave—go offworld.” The voice stopped and a wave of pain shook Steg with its intensity. The Acolyte’s body stilled.
    Then the voice continued; it sounded hollow, almost metallic. It had changed in timbre and intensity. “—offworld. That way you will be safe from this murderous campaign against surviving members of the Earl’s family. The Complex will guide you and advise when you can return with safety. Listen to me.”
    The Acolyte’s eyes were fixed, unseeing. He was no longer alive although somehow he was continuing to speak. He still held Steg’s arm in a firm, unrelenting grip. Alarmed, Steg looked to Thomas for guidance; however, he was equally at a loss, perplexed by the continuing speech from the now apparently lifeless Acolyte.
    “Yes, Steg de Coeur. You are correct. This servant of the mind has succumbed to his wounds, he was beyond further care or treatment. Listen carefully. You must leave Homeworld. The body has a package of papers. Take them, study them with care. Your companion must aid your escape. Arrangements have been made with a Rimerian star ship, a freighter called Well Drinker , which will lift off once you are aboard. Follow the instructions. You must ensure the survival of the House de Coeur.”
    “When will I be able to return?”
    “You will know. If necessary, we will send you a message. We must re-build. Our primary task is to protect House de Coeur. We failed to detect... We must not fail again. This body is dropping out of circuit. Look for the package. Take it. Acknowledge.” The voice was fading again.
    Steg searched the Acolyte’s body. “Yes, I found the package—I have it.” The Acolyte’s body fell back. The grip on Steg’s arm relaxed.
    “Well,” he managed to utter. “It worsens, Thomas. My family—all murdered by the Imperials. With the help of that traitorous woman.” He stood. “I swear I will avenge these murders.” His voice choked and he hung his head in silent mourning.
    ******

Chapter 4
     
    “Take care, my lord.”
    Steg looked startled for a moment and then nodded his understanding and acquiescence to both the caution and the title.
    “Yes, Thomas. Now we need to see what instructions the Complex has provided.” He carefully unwrapped the package and examined the contents, handing each page to his companion when he finished reading it. The Acolytes had provided very detailed instructions for his offworld travels, which Steg memorized. Each page flaked into irrecoverable ash fragments after a few short minutes of exposure.
    “These I cannot share,” Steg cautioned, indicating a residual bundle of pages that were quickly