13
(Tharnday – cont.)
Yezi’tra, Yezi’im – Grand Palace
“I think the only way to make any positive moves in this situation is to have the chiefs of the Yeziling and the Zley come and talk to us together,” Kivana said. “We can come up with the best ideas on Terrenden, but unless these two groups agree, it will get us nowhere.”
“This is true,” Chief Councilor Bentin said.
“I wish you luck with that!” Chief Councilor Haldi Uushin replied with a grin. “Yth’n is a proud one. Apparently, his eldest is gentler, but because of that, Vonjy is not expected to be able to retain leadership when it’s inherited. These tribes value the ability to steal brides, livestock and workers, bits of land… the things they have always done.”
“Steal brides?” Alyona asked, clearly shocked.
“Not all countries are as … emancipated as you have come to expect,” Benjan said, looking from Alyona to Moxara. “Many countries still lie in the powers of the young men and their abilities to behave like the tribesmen they are.”
“Zley are also tribe,” Moxara reminded poignantly. “Dey do not observe such barbaric customs.”
“And that would be why they are currently losing this little tit for tat war!” Ushin reminded.
“We are getting nowhere,” Kivana observed.
Someone came in and whispered something into Oberti’s ear. The man nodded and thanked the young man.
“Apparently even this morning, a raiding party has disappeared amidst a sandstorm,” Oberti said. Missing are the Yeziling chieftain Yth’n, his sons and a dozen of our warriors. Search parties have already been dispatched, but no one knows quite where they were… it was a rather severe sandstorm so they could be anywhere.”
Moxara felt the concern of the Yezi in the room. “You have respect for dis Yt’n?”
“He’s a strong leader. Vonjy could be every bit as strong. But he won’t capture a bride, from what the rumors say,” Oberti said.
“Surely dat makes him stronger!” Moxara said.
“He says this himself, but convincing the Yeziling of that isn’t the same thing at all,” Benjan replied.
“It’s not the easiest thing to convince these tribes to change generations of traditions no matter how noble the reason,” Oberti added.
“Do we have any other information about the missing raiding party?” Kivana asked.
“Not yet,” Oberti said. “We don’t even have information of last-known coordinates of the missing hoverbils.”
A PCS link buzzed.
The Kri’enden abári answered hers, “Kivana.”
Moxara listened to the reply of Gaetan, “We have been made aware of two missing hoverbils of the Zley tribe. We wondered if your colleagues have heard anything. Apparently they went on a mission today and didn’t come back.”
“The Yeziling are also missing two hoverbils,” Kivana replied. “I wonder if they’re related. Let me know if you hear anything else.” She ended the connection and returned her focus to the group.
“Very interesting turn of events,” Chief Councilor Bentin said. “The next piece of news could be very telling indeed.”
♥
“Abári,” Benjan called as the man in the fringed cloak headed towards his quarters. He stopped and waited for the younger man. “CC Uushin has requested that the lady Moxara become one of his advisers. Apparently, he’s impressed with her ability to speak her mind without worrying about offending him.”
Oberti chuckled. “Yes, that’s a trait our friend has long admired. I’m sure you know this as well.”
Benjan smiled.
“I will speak with Kivana about this, but don’t give him premature hope, okay?” Oberti said.
“You can count on me,” Benjan said.
“I know you also admire her. From what I know, she’s very highly respected in Varkevand. But she has a clouded past, I can sense. Very guarded.”
“She’s a very attractive woman,” Benjan said. “But yes, she is guarded. It will take some work to open her heart.”
“I see you are determined. Good luck,” Oberti said smiling. “And good night.”
“Good night, Abári.”
♥
Yezi Desert
The sun began its evening descent and brought a refreshing evening wind with it. The time of comfortable air was upon them and would not last long if he could not find good tinder.
“Soala,” Vonjy said gently to the sleeping woman.
The woman stirred, but settled again.
“Soala,” he repeated, touching her shoulder.
She jumped suddenly, startled. She said something he couldn’t understand.
“Common Tongue?” he requested, but then felt her confusion. “We’re stuck in the desert. Do you remember?” he asked.
She nodded slowly. “I was dreaming of being at the big Vestharya festival in Joton.”
“Sounds like a nice dream,” Vonjy said. “We don’t really do Vestharya, not being agrarian like your tribes. I’d like to see it some year.”
“It’s only a couple weeks away now,” Soala said. “I hope I’m home by then, or I’ll miss it.”
“I hope so too,” he said realizing he was genuine. “Can you walk enough to help forage tonight?”
“I’ll try,” Soala said, getting up. She stood and took a limping step.
“You should stay here,” Vonjy said firmly.
“I don’t want to be alone,” Soala said.
Vonjy could feel that it was more that she didn’t like being weak.
“I won’t go far,” he promised. “I need to find some brush for our fire. I’m also looking for signs of water, food and maybe something to make my bed less sandy. Sand in a loincloth is no laughing matter!”
Soala giggled. “I’ll bet!”
“I have a nice shazelight that I’ll place on top of the shelter so I can’t lose you,” he said.
“Take your cloak to keep you warm,” she said, standing again.
He shook his head. “You might need to wrap up in it,” he insisted. “Use it to keep comfortable until I get back.”
“Okay,” Soala said, laying down again to rest her sore leg. “But won’t you be cold without your cloak?” She looked at his still-shiny chest.
“I’ll move fast enough to keep me warm,” he said. “But that is why I’m looking for some brush for the beds.”
“I wish I could build us a fire,” she said.
“If I find some brush for it, I’ll do it when I get back. Use your mind to call me if you want me,” he said as he left the tent.
♥
If you have enjoyed this book, I would be grateful if you could put your thoughts as a review on Goodreads for me.
Other Chapters of this set
Acting the Part - chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Building on Promise - Chapter 1
Acting the Part, part 2 - Chapter 10
Spice of Strength - Chapter 1
Acting the Part, part 3 - Chapter 19
Sands of Survival - Chapter 1
Maps and Guides
- continents of Alacantis and Kranisis (five maps)
- continent of Almara (five maps)
- countries of Kri'enden and Yezi'im (four maps plus "other places")
- characters, pronunciation and glossary
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Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
verified author on Goodreads
find me on Twitter
also on: Whaleshares, WeKu
