10
(Tharnday – cont.)
Yezi Desert
The Yezi Desert became more sparse as the Yeziling flew closer to the border. There were sand dunes everywhere they looked with occasional bits of scrub. Sometimes, there was even an oasis with abundant vegetation, but the vast majority of it was bare and sandy now.
The navigator was watching the electronic console carefully and looked out to the horizons nervously from time to time. He brought the hoverbil to a lower gear, slowing the vehicle some as they neared their destination.
“This is where we stole livestock the other day,” Yth’n Yeziling told his son.
“I thought we were here to counter a Zley raid. Are we planning on taking more livestock too?” Vonjy asked.
“Maybe. It depends on what we see. People are valuable property,” the man said. “We want the Zley and Kri’enden itself to stop worrying about this little area out here. Perhaps if they see that we are serious about keeping it, they’ll let it go – it could become just Yeziling Territory.”
“That sounds a bit much to believe,” Vonjy said.
“You really need to prove to the people that you are something to be respected,” his father reminded. “That includes looking out for our tribal interests and autonomy.”
“Yes, Father,” Vonjy replied. Then he pointed east. “There’s an interesting cloud.”
“That’s no cloud. That’s the Zley!” the chieftain said excitedly.
“And the cloud immediately to the north of us?” Vonjy asked looking at a rapidly-approaching cloud of sand.
“Sandstorm!” the lookout shouted in reply. “Turn back!”
“We can’t! Go on!” Yth’n ordered.
“We cannot fly in such a storm!” the navigator shouted back.
“Neither can we afford to miss this opportunity!” Yth’n insisted.
The moments lost arguing cost the Yeziling greatly. They lost sight of the other hoverbils as the storm overtook them. A few moments later, the sound of the storm was momentarily replaced by the sound of the hoverbil shattering as it hit something in the blinding storm. Vonjy was thrown from the vehicle. He covered his face with his traveling cloak and hoped that all he would hit was sand… and that he could find a way to avoid being buried alive! He felt around hoping to find something useful. He prayed to Yez, that he would be merciful and let him live to see another day.
His hand hit something – it felt like an emergency shelter! He opened the bag and the shelter popped open in front of him. He crawled into it, gasping for breath. Even if he was buried, it would preserve enough air to let him dig his way out. Vonjy lay there listening to the storm buffeting the little shelter. He would be safe enough. Once the wind stopped, he would be able to look to see if anyone else had survived the crash. Until then, it would be too risky to step foot outside.
♥
Yezi’tra, Yezi’im – Chief Councilor Grand Palace
The dish of spicy meat was fascinating, Moxara thought. She put another piece in her mouth, trying to work out what kind of animal it came from.
“Desert hare,” came the answer as Benjan joined her.
“Is amazing!” she replied. “Your name Benjan?”
“Good memory, Moxara,” he said. “Don’t let me stop you indulging your senses with our h'ordeuvres. We have amazing food in Yezi’tra. I’ve tried the fare of most other places in the world, but always come back home again.”
“You have not much seafood,” she quipped. “I saw harbor.”
“CC Ushin does not favor seafood so much. We have some in the Complex canteen – in season anyway. I will make sure you get some!” He smiled at her.
“Tank you to catch me earlier. Was not paying enough attention to floor.”
“That missing tile has already been replaced,” he reported. “So, what brought you to Yezi’tra?”
“You mean, besides dis trip?” she asked.
“You’re not Kri’enden, of that I’m certain.”
“I from Varkevand. I look after our two young adults, Tamryn and Alyona, special request of der moders.”
“Most Yezi are married before their age,” Benjan replied, looking intently at Moxara.
“Her fader cannot perform ceremony,” Moxara explained. Then she blushed. “And I never had inclination.”
“Seems a shame, a woman like you without husband or children,” Benjan said.
“Unlike Yezi, we do not place concept of womanly value only on ability to marry and reproduce,” she said curtly.
“I have offended you, I apologize,” Benjan said quickly. “I only meant to compliment you on your beauty and express my amazement that you are not married.”
Moxara blushed again. “Am not used to men being so bold wid me!”
“I am sorry,” Benjan said taking her hand and lifting it to his lips.
Moxara pulled her hand from his and went to join Kivana, feeling much safer with the abári and Chief Councilor Bentin.
“Are you okay, Moxara?” Kivana asked.
Moxara nodded. “I just not used to being solicited so quickly after meeting someone – charming as he is!”
“What?!” the chief councilor asked, slightly shocked.
“I did tell you they had rather primitive customs,” Kivana said. “I’m sorry you had to find out like that.”
“Is okay. Am over it,” Moxara insisted, her mind drifting disobediently back to the man who had just called her beautiful. Surely, it was just a come-on that was used on any woman who came to Yezi’im! She dismissed the thoughts from her mind. She was here on a diplomatic mission to help prevent a war between two countries. She did not have time to get all flustered over a man!
♥
Benjan returned to Chief Councilor Uushin.
“Tell me about that woman,” the Chief Councilor requested.
“I don’t know much about her – except that she is striking,” Benjan said.
“In appearance and in mind,” the leader replied. “She had no problem telling me what she thought – no hesitation, no fear of offending me. I find that attitude refreshing.”
“I agree,” Benjan said noting that he had already uncovered the one thing she did fear!
“I would have her as an adviser,” Chief Councilor Uushin continued.
“I will mention it to Oberti when I get a moment,” Benjan promised thinking that it would be good to somehow secure Moxara to Yezi’tra.
♥
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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Birth of the Neví 829 T.C.E. It is a tumultuous period of Terrenden history. As is all too common, there are those who wish to profit from the misfortune of others. Some of these come together in a new "charitable organization" and step on the toes of the notorious Uugli. Combine this with draconian new measures to combat pollution and Terrenden has a situation ripe for a power struggle. Book 1 in the Rise of the Neví series. |
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Rebound of Power: 850 T.C.E. Collection of Romance Terrenden is being terrorized by a previously underestimated Neví who, through the mysterious “Curator,” have been controlling elections all over the planet. In this collection, we meet some interesting women. Iyva - a homeless teenager in Irola whose untrained power leaves her close to death in Rebound of Power; Marc’la - a breeder of prized caballus in Kasago whose heart lives in the past in Friendship on Fire; Zukie - an abused widow whose heart is afraid to try for future happiness in Courage to Trust; Jenna - an elections assistant manager and masseuse who has a prejudice against A’mara in Elect to Change; Kami - a chola student in Varkevand who has been assigned to protect Ardin, a man who has his own reasons to distrust A’mara in Ocean of Empathy. |
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Acting the Part - 851 T.C.E. Collection of Romance The Neví have infiltrated the Terrenden Freedom Party. Dr. Jarly is on the run and the Curator still dominates the Terrenden stage. Famous actor, Derick Aiden has released his Neví expose film and now the Neví want him dead... In this collection, we meet more interesting women. Kauri - a simple receptionist who doesn’t realize one of her wildest dreams has come true; in Acting the Part Tirry - an elections manager who is always the bridesmaid and never the bride; in Building on Promise Zara - a chef who has all but given up on finding love for herself; and D'zani - who isn’t even looking, but has to chaperone her more vulnerable roommate; in Spice of Strength Soala - an heiress who is expected to marry, but refuses to marry someone she doesn’t love; and Moxara - one whose past griefs have locked away her heart in Sands of Survival. We also get updates on some of the lovely ladies we met previously. |
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Rise of the Neví - 830 T.C.E. In this series, the Neví begin their rise in power with the completion of several large housing projects that seem totally charitable, but also hide a great evil within. The draconian measures brought in the previous year has caused major distress throughout the world, perfect for giving the Neví a further foothold on the Terrenden stage. Will the A’mara, now removed from the Council of Peers, be able to shut down the Neví? Titles to include: Name of the Neví, Head of the Neví... |
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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
