8
(Tharnday – cont.)
Yezi Desert
Another pair of hoverbils zipped across the desert. One was the government vehicle used by Chief Councilor Kianda Bentin. The other was A’mara owned. Both vehicles were well-maintained and of late, efficient models and operated by drivers who knew how to fly fast, especially over the treacherous desert.
Moxara Tevy, having never needed to go this fast in Varkevand felt slightly queasy. She noted that Alyona looked pale as well, but then she had been recently. She made another mental note to talk to her about her health; perhaps there was another reason the young woman had been so keen to get away from her parents for awhile. Moxara knew that, of all people, Jessten and Laisen would be understanding, but it’s different when it’s your own mother and father you’re talking to!
“This is very fast,” Alyona said.
Tamryn looked like he was enjoying it a little more. “I’m not used to it either, but I’d love to fly on the way back! You can’t go half this fast on Varkevand – you’d run out of road!”
Alyona grinned at him, clearly enjoying his pleasure – for his sake.
“So, what’s the deal with you two?” Kivana finally asked the young couple.
“Our parents wanted us to get some experience off of Varkevand,” Tamryn said.
“Are you married? Planning to be? You’re obviously committed.”
“Because my father is the abári in Varkevand he can’t perform our ceremony. So, we kind of didn’t worry about it,” Alyona said.
“Saraca would have done it, had you asked,” Moxara said. “She was der, after all.”
“I didn’t want to add to everything,” Alyona said. “It had been so scary – especially with Mom being threatened by Jarly as she was.”
“Well, if you want me to conduct it for you, I’d be pleased to do it,” Kivana said.
Alyona smiled. “We’ll think about it. I’d want to give our parents the chance to be here if they can,” she said.
Tamryn nodded.
“Let me know,” Kivana said. “You’re in charge of that. You won’t get any pressure from me.”
Alyona nodded her gratitude.
“Moxara, tell me something about yourself,” Kivana requested.
“Not sure what to tell,” Moxara said, scrambling for non-personal things to share. “I finished training chola last year and have not found anoder. Our abári suggest dis for change of scenery – and look after dese two.”
“I doubt these two need too much looking after,” Kivana said. “They seem very sensible.”
“Der moders felt better sending me too. So, I come. I never been to Kri’enden before. It makes nice change.”
“You are most welcome here. I think I read something about your former chola. Diamond mastery in telekinesis, I seem to remember,” Kivana said.
“Yes. In heat of battle as well. She knock chopper out of sky!” Moxara recalled. “Saraca came out to see her – and marry her to man we protect.”
“Good. I do like how hands-on Saraca is. She makes a good abári.”
“She does,” Moxara agreed.
“You’ve never married?” Kivana asked.
“No,” Moxara said without elaborating. That path had not been for her and she did not wish to discuss the particulars. She changed the subject. “Glad we have not seen sandstorm.”
“It is fortunate. Sand storms are very common out here. If we encounter one, pull your cloak around your head. When we get there, you will see that the Yezi cloaks include a transparent part so that they can see without getting the sand in their eyes,” Kivana said.
“Good idea,” Moxara said.
“Tamryn, what can you tell me about Gaetan?” Kivana asked gently.
“What?” he asked, pulled out of his daydreams.
“You were uncomfortable with his questions. It made me think there was some history between your family and him. It’s good if I know if there is anything to be aware of.”
“I don’t know all that much, honestly. But I do know that he made my mother feel uncomfortable when she was in Omrill. My dad, Zeno, told me that the man was not trustworthy. He banished Gaetan from the gardens there. This was the first time I’d met him though.”
“Thank you. I’ve made a mental note to keep a closer eye on him,” Kivana said.
Tamryn nodded and looked out over the sand again.
The hoverbil shifted into a lower gear and slowed to a more civilized speed. Tamryn looked disappointed.
“We’re almost there,” Kivana said, pointing to some of the buildings. “That large one is the palace where the Chief Councilor lives and works. The A’mara Complex is built behind it so that his most important advisers are always immediately at hand.”
“That’s smart,” Alyona said.
“Is der anyting we should know about greeting Yezi?” Moxara asked.
“Some of their tribal customs will seem primitive to you. But you’re unlikely to be exposed to those in this simple trip. I can’t think of anything else in particular. One of the points of including you on this trip is to give them more exposure to other cultures,” Kivana said.
♥
Joton, Kri’enden - The Freebooter Casino
Sheena knew that despite her age, she rocked the short skirt and crop top that made her look fashionable, casual and businesslike in the Kri’enden fashion, all at once. That was the look she needed for meeting Gaetan alone for the first time. Sure, she had met him in the Complex once or twice and he had watched her train at the Academy, but he didn’t know her other connection yet. Everything would change with this meeting.
She felt him drift in the unlocked front doors of the quiet casino.
“It’s weird being here when it’s closed,” he said, smiling lustfully at Sheena.
“Welcome to the Freebooter, Gaetan,” Sheena oozed as the man met her. “I have need for an assistant manager and wondered if you might be interested in the position.”
“What does it require?” he asked.
“I need someone to oversee the powder monkeys who watch for the cheats. It takes a certain level of leya-sensitivity to do this job, that’s why I thought you might be perfect for the job. There will be other tasks, of course,” Sheena said. “Are you up to the job?”
“Are there any perks?” Gaetan hinted, moving closer to her.
“Maybe,” she replied, holding her ground as he pressed his lips to hers.
He lifted her to the table behind her and pushed her skirt out of his way.
“Or maybe not! I know about your children in Omrill,” she whispered. “Just like a Balan!”
He pulled away from her hastily, adjusting his pants back to decency. “What a way to spoil the mood!” he growled. “What do you want?”
“Your cooperation. In exchange, you have a job, and a position,” Sheena said adjusting her skirt.
“What position?”
“No. 2 in Kri’enden,” Sheena replied.
“You know I’m A’mara – and I thought you were as well!” Gaetan said.
“You also know that if the truth were to come out, you’d be in jail,” Sheena threatened.
“What do you want from me?” he asked again.
“Your cooperation, as I said. We need you to be a good boy and report back anything we might be interested in. They no longer trust me enough, but they trust you still,” Sheena said.
“I will do anything you say if you warm my bed for me,” Gaetan bargained. He made a move towards her, only to be repulsed by a glowing shaze in Sheena’s hand.
“When you best me at shaze, I’ll go to your bed willingly,” Sheena said over the fiery blade, knowing he was nowhere near as good as she was with a shaze.
Gaetan glowered.
“You will cooperate because you know I’m right. One word from us and your freedom is as good as gone,” Sheena said, smiling sweetly. “We will contact you again and expect your answer at that time.” She hopped off the table and left the Freebooter.
♥
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
