6
(Fenjaday – cont.)
Grand Yeziling, Yezi’im
Yth’n Yeziling scowled as the scout gave his report. Their clothes were made of skins and dyed black with the oil of the ground coconut which grew plentifully, though sporadically throughout their range. The clothing was further adorned by bone buttons in a range of colors arranged in beautiful patterns, sewn on by their women. Often, you could know which tribe the woman had been stolen from by the patterns she used.
“We did manage to capture some livestock and a couple of workers,” the scout reported.
“AND be seen doing it!” Yth’n growled. “I have heard they plan to raid us tomorrow – in broad daylight, the fools. I plan to be there when they do!”
“In daylight!” the scout replied, stunned.
“Did I stutter?” Yth’n demanded. “Maybe they will learn their lesson. Maybe you will finally capture a wife, Vonjy, my son.” He turned his attention to the young man at his side, who seemed to be daydreaming instead of listening.
The young man turned and looked at his father. “We have talked about this before. I refuse to find a bride that way, Father. I would bond with a woman whom I can respect and will desire to love me. How can that begin with being captured?”
“People talk, Vonjy. They say that you are not bold enough to capture a wife. They say that you are not worthy of taking over my leadership,” the chieftain replied.
“You know that is not true,” Vonjy said. “Surely, you can tell them all my merits!”
“I can, but the people are the ones who must be led – and they must be willing to allow you to lead. I don’t think they will follow someone they think is weak once I am dead!”
“I am strong to resist the common custom. It’s time to forge a new custom – one where the women agree to be brides!” Vonjy said.
“I hope your leadership will be strong enough to be given that chance. In any case, I ask you to accompany us on tomorrow’s raid. You have some proving to do to our warriors. They need to see that you are as brave and strong as they – if you wish to be our leader some day.”
“Yes, Father.”
♥
Joton, Kri’enden – A’mara Complex
“Good to see you, Kianda,” Kivana greeted the heavy-set, dark-skinned woman on the screen.
“And you, Kivana. Some days, I wish for our simpler lives when you and I could just be best friends!”
“And I!” Kivana agreed warmly. “I must include others in this conversation, however. Abári Oberti Perton in Yezi’tra and the Yezi’im Chief Councilor Haldi Uushin,” she said, making the introductions for Kianda.
“I must apologize that Chief Councilor Uushin is not available this evening,” Oberti said. “He did give me permission to arrange for tomorrow’s meeting if everything is good with everyone else.”
“Does he not see the urgency of this discussion?” Chief Councilor Kianda Bentin asked.
“He does, but sees no point in remote discussions. He will be happy to meet with you in person tomorrow,” Oberti said. “We, too, are concerned that if these border skirmishes are not curtailed, they will lead to a full scale war between our countries.”
“We do not wish this to happen,” Kivana said. “We’d like to foster peace between our peoples.”
“We are in full agreement,” Oberti said. “When shall we expect you?”
“Before midday, I would have thought. We will leave first thing in the morning,” Chief Councilor Bentin said.
“We will have refreshments ready when you arrive,” Oberti replied.
“Thank you, Abári,” Kianda said.
Oberti’s image disappeared from view.
“Do you know which A’mara you will bring with us?” Kianda asked. “I’m supposed to be mindful of my safety, especially when traveling.”
“I want to present an international front,” Kivana said. “I want to express that more than our two countries could be affected.”
“Good idea,” Kianda answered.
“I have three Varkevanders with us right now, with a variety of cloaks. I also have a Çtaráni. All four of these should be more than adequate for security.”
“I’m sure I will be forced to bring a few of our own as well,” Kianda said. “With that, I must bid you, good night, my friend. I will need to get to bed early if I’m to be up before dawn. I will have to get a few things done before we leave.”
“Good night, Kianda. It will be good to travel together again, even if it’s in different hoverbils.”
“And you, Kivana.”
The screen dark, she sent messages to the four she intended to take with her in the morning. The replies came back. To her surprise, Gaetan would remain in Joton, but the other three would be ready. She found a couple of Kri’enden natives to go as well.
Kivana found herself wondering again about the mystery behind Gaetan. Something wasn’t quite right with him, she realized – something more than his obvious infatuation with the equally mysterious Sheena. Yet, the woman had been with them as long as she could remember. Sure, she was a little strange, but she always had been. Mostly, Sheena was allowed to do as she wished, spending countless hours at the Joton Shaze Academy, constantly trying to achieve the elusive gold mastery badge.
Again, she reminded herself to have a chat with Tamryn tomorrow. She felt the need to understand what had happened between his family and Gaetan to cause such stiffness between them. It seemed strange, especially since by his own admission, Gaetan had never met Tamryn before.
The mystery around this Zilan was another puzzling one. With Cruro unwilling to talk about him (to the man’s credit, Kivana had to realize), she wasn’t sure what to make of it. Clearly, the man had been here. He hadn’t caused any trouble other than catching attention of several organizations. The man had a Death Edict on his head, along with the student he trained. Yet, they had caused no trouble. It was puzzling to be sure.
Then there was the issue before the Council of Peers – one which could have a significant impact on the A’mara. They would have to be more careful to not attract further controversy if they wished to retain the autonomy they had enjoyed as long as anyone could remember. With the upcoming elections in Atrua, it was equally vital that no one knew that Sennon would be traveling to investigate. It had to look like he was acting on his own – which could put him in danger too, she realized. If anything went wrong, she, herself, would have to take the blame, Kivana acknowledged. It was a dangerous position for anyone, least of all a new abári like herself. She wished, again, that Orun was still in charge, but sometimes things didn’t work out the way we expected.
Kivana continued in meditation until, at last, she drifted off to sleep, wondering what sunrise would bring.
♥
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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also on: Whaleshares, WeKu
