Chapter Sixteen
The Judas slaves baked under the sweltering July sun, the hot wind churning dust that coated their sweating backs and parched throats. Insects worked at their eyes and ears. Impatient overseers worked at their backs. When whistles blew to call in the slave crews from the fields, Duncan and his friends were grateful for the unexpected midmorning break. But by the time they had lined up along the perimeter road behind the stable he could hear the drumbeat. A different group of overseers was coming.
The marines from the Ardent were being displayed in full scarlet plumage, marching in ranks of four to the beat of the drum, led by two mounted officers and followed by Gabriel and several of his dark riders. Duncan glanced in alarm toward the river. The cutter that had taken Kin
