27
(Majanday – cont.)
Zley Falls Pueblo – Kri’enden
Chief Andac hid his worry as he always had, with a smile and then a frown to level his face again. He must appear level-headed when the communication with the Yeziling resumed. He knew his position was precarious. They hadn’t taken the insult of them harboring the late chieftain’s eldest son well. It was difficult for them to believe their strong warrior had been captured by a young woman. But maybe it was the shock needed to believe the truth. They would soon know.
“Soala, take the cuffs off Vonjy,” Andac said to his daughter.
Soala pretended to look disgruntled, but obeyed giving her beloved a hungry kiss at the same time.
“Later!” Andac said interrupting them as a buzzing sound was heard.
“Incoming communication,” Kivana warned with a smile. “Let’s see what they want.”
“We deny your claimed right to steal Vonjy from us,” Sidjin said. “He should have been stealing your daughter instead.”
“Denied!” Chief Andac challenged. “There is no reason why we cannot play the same game you play on us.”
He noted that the Yeziling were in their raiding outfits now, their chests bared and blackened.
“Except that we’re stronger than you,” Sidjin boasted.
“Then explain why my daughter could capture your brother!” Chief Andac challenged again.
“You must have tricked him.”
“All is fair… as you have told us many times.”
Kivana stood and broke in. “Elders, we in Joton are concerned that the bickering between your tribes is threatening to plunge both of our countries into outright war.”
“Our little dispute has nothing to do with Joton or Yezi’tra,” Sidjin replied.
“On the contrary, I’m well aware of all the Yeziling in Yezi’tra,” Kivana replied. “I’m also aware of the extent of the Zley tribe towards Joton. Are you also aware of the money being wagered in Joton and further afield for or against each of your tribes? Did you realize you’ve become a sport for the rich?”
“Impossible!” Sidjin exclaimed. “You have no proof!”
“I could prove it,” Kivana replied. “The problem is, with this money flowing in, your little conflict is on the verge of involving everyone in our two countries. Are you really willing to risk your entire tribe over a conflict of a tiny piece of land?”
“You now have one of our members!” Sidjin shouted back.
“Would you believe it if I told you that rather than being captured, Vonjy came to us of his own free will?” Chief Andac asked.
“That’s less believable than your original story!”
“But, my brother, that is the truth,” Vonjy replied standing so that his brothers could see that he was properly clothed and was no longer in the magna-cuffs. “I have found my bride. Would you believe it, I didn’t have to capture her, either. The raid threw us together.”
“We know where you are,” Sidjin replied and cut the connection again.
“I feared as much,” Vonjy said, holding Soala close to him.
“What now, Abári?” Chief Andac asked Kivana.
“I am not sure,” Kivana said with a sigh. “I had really hoped we might be able to make some progress.”
“Instead, they’ve just found a reason to escalate this whole conflict. I just want peace to hand to my daughter when I retire,” Chief Andac replied. “I’m sorry, Son.”
“As am I, Father,” Vonjy replied.
“Are you planning on being in Joton for Vestharya?” Kivana asked.
“Yes, as is my custom,” Chief Andac replied. “I do not know how many I am bringing yet.”
“I have to return to Joton to see if anyone has had any further ideas on how to orchestrate peace between you and the Yeziling. I hope to have something worked out by Vestharya. It’s clear we do not have much time.”
“Thank you, Abári,” Andac replied.
The woman left, escorted by one of the guards.
“I do not fully know this Vestharya,” Vonjy said a moment later.
“You and Soala should come with me anyway,” Chief Andac said. “The other question, of course, is when do you want your bonding ceremony?”
“How much is involved in a Zley ceremony?” Vonjy asked.
“It is quite involved, actually. If it wasn’t for the fact we plan to go to Vestharya in Joton, I would recommend doing it then. We could rush things if you prefer, or wait for the Equinox.”
“Couldn’t it be awkward to wait if Soala is found to be with child before the ceremony?” Vonjy asked.
“In our custom, it’s actually considered fortunate if she is – it’s a sign that a couple is compatible and that the gods have blessed them,” Chief Andac replied. “In Soala’s case, it strengthens her claim to be the next chieftain of our tribe.”
“It would be a positive thing in the Yeziling as well, but for fairly different reasons,” Vonjy replied. “Compatibility is not important there. But a pregnant woman is less likely to run away.”
“I’m glad we are not living with your tribe,” Soala said.
“The Yeziling are no longer my tribe,” Vonjy said softly. “My brothers made that clear to me. I belong to you now – and my tribe is the Zley.”
Soala kissed him hungrily. “Come,” she breathed.
Chief Andac grinned and chuckled as he watched them leave the conference chamber. He left the room as well and met his younger wife.
“You’re in a good mood,” she observed, massaging him lovingly.
“Soala will become chieftain yet!” he replied.
“Let’s just hope the Yeziling don’t yet make us pay for this fact!”
He nodded.
♥
In the hoverbil on her way back to Joton, Kivana’s PCS link buzzed.
“It’s good to hear from you again,” she told Oberti’s image.
“Likewise. Actually, I wanted to catch you when we didn’t have Zley or Yeziling attention. Benjan and Moxara have formed an interesting idea with CC Uushin. They plan to bring the three Elders to Vestharya with them!”
“Bold move!” Kivana said, surprised. “But it’s worth a shot.”
“It is Moxara’s belief that by having them interact socially with Chief Andac, Soala and Vonjy that they might develop some level of social rapport that might make them willing to at least call a truce,” Oberti explained.
“Do you really think they’ll be willing to come to Vestharya?” Kivana asked.
“CC Uushin seems to think he can persuade them, especially when he tells them about the honor that can be won through competition. He has come to see the wisdom in finding common ground between the tribes, thanks to Moxara.”
“Speaking of Moxara…,” Kivana said, almost hesitant to ask the question foremost in her mind once matters of war were allayed.
“Yes, she and Benjan were planning to ask you to include them in your plans. I can’t ask for them, of course, but it’s only fair that you are prepared,” Oberti said grinning.
“Thank you. I will make all the necessary arrangements to ensure their day is special too,” Kivana said returning the smile.
♥
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
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